Don't Be Afraid

Welcome to Real Life.  Last week, Abraham left home to follow God.  Along his journey, God has richly blessed him.  He only lacks one thing.

Abraham Series | Part 2 |Genesis 15:1-6

Abram[1] and his men had just won a great battle.  At the victory celebration, Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of God Most High, brings out bread and wine and blesses Abram.  Then, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of all the battle spoils.  After the festivities, God appears to him in a vision.

“Don’t be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward.”

But Abram said, “O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless?”

What did Abram fear?  God had given him a quick and easy victory in battle.  He was wealthy, powerful, and esteemed.  Yet the one thing he wanted, God withheld.  Abram longed for a child.  He was more than 75 years old.  If he had died in that battle, his estate would have gone to his steward.

God had promised Abram offspring like the dust of the earth.[2]  But so far, it hadn’t happened.  He knew Abram’s longing.  God had come to reassure him, “Don’t be afraid.  You can trust me.  Your deepest fears and longings are safe with me.  I won’t disappoint you.  More than anything (even a child), you will find that I am your greatest reward.”

God’s assurance to Abram is for me as well. “Don’t be afraid, Peggi.”  What do I fear?   At the moment, I was worried about how to pay for an expected dental bill.  But God pressed further.  What do I fear deep in my soul?  The answer I wrote in my journal surprised me: being insignificant.  Do I matter, Lord?  In this world of powerful leaders, nations, and crises, is an ordinary woman at her kitchen table important to God? 

His reply, “Your life has great worth in my sight.  You are my treasure.  You do not need to earn my notice, my regard, or my love.  Just open your soul and receive what I desire to pour into you.  Don’t be afraid, Peggi.  I am your shield.  I will protect your heart.  Your deepest needs and longings are safe with me.”

My significance is not based on my husband, children, friends, education, job, financial statement, ministry, or (most recently) my writing.  I am significant because my life has great worth to God. That’s Real Life.

Something to think about…

• God’s assurance to Abram is for you: “Don’t be afraid, (your name).  I am your shield, your very great reward.”
• What do you fear?  Can you be honest with God?  He is able to meet your deepest needs and longings.  You can trust him.
• What does it mean for God himself to be your very great reward?

Next week:  Abraham series, The Lord Will Provide

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[1] Abram was later renamed Abraham by God, Genesis 17:5

[2] Genesis 13:16