( “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.” NLT)
This is the first recorded time of God telling someone not to be afraid, and it is in the context of setting up / creating His covenant with Abraham.
It’s important to note that this conversation with the Lord happened after Abraham had won a battle and tithed 10% of the spoils to the king and priest of the Lord, Melchizedek.
Abraham had just acted in faith and obedience, and his obedience opened the door for the Lord to bless him even more abundantly.
It’s beautiful to see that God’s command of “Do not be afraid” is connected to a reason and a promise “FOR I will protect you and your reward will be great.”
Later on, in verse 6, we see that “Abram believed the Lord and the Lord counted him righteous because of his faith.”
As Christians, we have been grafted into Abraham’s lineage and therefore have inherited all the promises he received. We are part of the Abrahamic Covenant.
So, as Abraham’s spiritual children, God is saying the same thing to us: “Do not be afraid for I will protect you and your reward will be great.” All we have to do to receive that promise is believe and obediently rest in God’s promises and protection. When we have faith and obey like Abraham, walking in close communion with God, there is no room for fear in our hearts.
Acting in faith squashes fear. You cannot be living in fear yet walk in faith. The two modes of operation are totally opposite.
Action in response to this revelation:
Where in your life are you fighting fear? Where do you need to step out in obedience to God? Is it possible that these two are connected? Journal your response.
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