Let Fear Fail
But Abram replied, “O Sovereign LORD, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?” — Genesis 15:8
Stand on the free throw line in front of the basketball net. Players line up to your left and right ready to attack. Perhaps you ball bounce once or twice for focus. Maybe you bounce the ball to let nerves or fear out.
I don’t play basketball, but I do know fear. Fear can be many things, including a projected grief of not having something (or someone). For example, you can be fearful you’ll never find love. However, if you KNEW the next day that you’d meet the love of your life, would you be fearful?
No, you wouldn’t.
Abram hears from God that he’ll be a dad one day. Specifically, Abram (who becomes Abraham) will be the father of many nations. In fact, kings will be born from his bloodline.
But Abram doesn’t have this yet. However, what he does have is God’s promise, His covenant. And Abram shows us what we do. He wonders. He may even fret. “How can this be?”
It’s tough to know when we’re afraid because fear is something culture discards. Fear isn’t useless, however. It’s important. Specifically, it’s important to recognize when we are fearful because then we can control fear rather than fear controlling us.
It’s important to note that fear is slippery. It hides itself as frustration, anger and heartbreak.
But, like Abram, when we’re frustrated, angry or heartbroken, we can keep asking God our questions.
Let’s just make sure to listen to God’s response.
PRAYER: May we hear a basketball bouncing before a foul shot in a new way. Let this sound remind us of our focus not on our fear but our faith in You, Father of all things. Amen.
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