“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield,   your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1b NIV)

Abram was called from his home, from his relatives, from his father’s house. [1] God promised Abram he would have descendants as numerous as the dust of the earth.[2]

But Abram was afraid. He and Sarai were childless. How could God do what He’d promised? Circumstances didn’t match what God said He’d do.

Later God would make a covenant with Abram and change his name to Abraham (father of many nations). God blessed Abraham and choose to make him into a great nation, not just physically, but spiritually. Through Abraham, God would bring forth His Son to die in our place and usher in His eternal Kingdom.

Abraham saw glimpses of God’s coming kingdom, but many things were unclear. In Gerar, because he was afraid, he lied about Sarah being his sister.[3] Later, after Isaac was born, God tested him, asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Abraham obeyed, trusting in an eternal story he didn’t understand.

God has an eternal story for us. He’s working to show us He Himself is all we need.

God is our Very Great Reward. He’s who we’ve been looking for all our lives. To the degree we understand and grow to love Him, eternal Peace, Hope and Joy will be a part of our days. God is at work for our greater good. He is working to unlatch our hearts from anything or anybody we love more than Him, but this process can be very difficult.

What are we afraid of right now? Has the unthinkable happened? If God is our Great Reward, can even the worst news take away our Joy? When all is stripped away, will we sink deeper into His love; or will we be afraid?

At Embassy Suites finishing out a birthday get away with my bride. Headed back to the room I pass Felicia from housekeeping. She asks how I’m doing. “Fine,” I say, really more as a salutation, “How about you?” I ask.

“I’m awesome!” she says with a big smile. Not expecting such an exuberant answer, I stop and chat. I learn her condition has nothing to with what’s going on in her life. It comes from her trust in King Jesus and His plans for her. God is teaching her that He is her Shield, her Very Great Reward.

Lord, my heart is full. I know you are my Very Great Reward, but there are things on earth which compete with You. Guide me into full surrender. Like Felicia, help me learn to be awesome because You’re Awesome. May I be filled with thanksgiving because You’re in charge of my story. Help me trust, even in the midst of life’s difficulties. You are my Shield, my Very Great Reward. I will not be afraid. Amen.

[1] Genesis 13:4

[2] Genesis 13:14-18

[3] Genesis 20

Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.

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