Digging Deeper: Finding Courage in God’s Promises
“After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.”
Genesis 15:1 (CSB)
FINDING COURAGE IN GOD’S PROMISES
Imagine the scene: Abram is chosen by God for a special purpose and stands at a pivotal moment in his journey of faith. God has promised to make him a great nation, yet there is no baby. Knowing Abram’s feelings of uncertainty, anxiousness, and fear about his reality, God speaks into his doubts.
First, God tells Abram not to fear. Sometimes, God calls us to follow Him into the unknown. There won’t be a glance at the playbook, a list of guarantees, or a pain-to-benefit ratio explanation. Often, the calling leaves us full of uncertainties, fears, and doubts. God understands our human frailties and acknowledges our need for courage and boldness to walk out His calling on our lives.
Next, God declares Himself Abram’s shield. In ancient wartime, a shield was vital for protection in battle, deflecting the arrows and attacks of the enemy. Similarly, God promises to shield us from enemy attacks as we follow His calling on our lives. With God as our shield, we can begin to move confidently, knowing He is our great defender.
Finally, God promises Abram a great reward. While his reward would ultimately be fulfilled through the birth of Isaac and the establishment of a great nation, the greatest blessing was the fulfillment of God’s redemption plan for all mankind.
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:11
Regardless of what God calls us to, even though we might be surrounded by a fog of uncertainty, let’s be a people known by our obedience. Our lives are not our own. We were made to display His glory in whatever He calls us to. Don’t miss the beauty of walking with Jesus!
Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins. She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.