Today’s Reading: Genesis 15, Psalm 112

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith – for he was a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. – Hebrews 11:8-10

Abram’s life is a great example to us of what it means to daily obey and submit to God’s plan, following Him wherever He leads. Sometimes this means leaving home like Abraham and sometimes it means a career change, going back to school, a new ministry position, or a leap into the unknown. Responding in obedience to God’s call requires a great amount of faith, which is exactly what Abram had. But Abram also had to deal with some fear. He had to learn how to trust God to protect him and to fulfill His promises in His perfect time.

ABRAM HAD TO OVERCOME HIS FEAR IN ORDER TO GROW IN HIS FAITH.

Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son?” – Genesis 15:1-2a

God promised Abram that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth (13:16), but time had passed and Abram was confused by the fact that he was still without a son of his own. He called God “Sovereign Lord” showing that he recognized God was in charge. God reminded him – my will, my way, in my time. God confirmed his promise again to Abram, telling him his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (15:5).

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. – Gen. 15:6

God reminded Abram that the promise for his descendants included the promise for a territory or inheritance. Again, Abram had questions, but recognized that God was in charge and God again confirmed his promise.

There have been several moments in this last year when I had to recognize that God is in charge. In moments when fear is pressing in and demanding my attention, I have to acknowledge God as Sovereign Lord and trust Him with the things that scare me the most. I have to trust Him with the care of my family and place the future in His capable hands. I have to overcome my fear in order to grow in my faith, just like Abram.

Having faith in God does not mean that we will be without questions, and it does not mean that we will not have moments of fear and uncertainty. But having faith in God does mean that we will take our questions to God and then trust Him for the answers, just like Abram did. We will hold on tight to what we do know and believe in God for the rest.

…they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. – Psalm 112:7b-8