“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!””
Genesis 15:1-3 NKJV
After Abram’s courageous exploits in rescuing Lot and defeating kings, God perceives the fear and anxiety within Abram’s heart. God speaks directly to it: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Yet Abram’s reply reveals the worry pressing on him most: “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless?”
When God Speaks and We Still Worry
Abram’s response feels familiar. How often has God reminded us of His faithfulness, only for us to respond with a list of what we don’t have? Like Abram, we can become so focused on our lack—whether it’s financial security, opportunities, or heirs—that we overlook the greater truth: God Himself is our reward.
Abram’s disillusionment is clear: what is all his success worth if there is no one to inherit it? This short-sightedness mirrors our own temptation to think fulfillment comes from possessions, status, or securing “just one more thing.” Yet God gently points Abram—and us—toward eternal fulfillment: Himself.
Estate Planning: Abram’s Question in Our Lives
What makes Abram’s concern so relatable is that it touches on a question each of us must face: What will happen to what I leave behind? Abram wondered about an heir. We too consider heirs, legacies, and how best to prepare for those who will come after us.
This is where estate planning becomes not only practical but spiritual:
• Stewardship: Like Abram, we wrestle with how to manage what God has entrusted to us. Estate planning is one way to faithfully steward His blessings for future generations.
• Provision: Abram longed for someone to inherit his estate. Through wills and trusts, we ensure that our loved ones are cared for, reflecting God’s own care for His children.
• Perspective: While Abram’s focus was on what he lacked, God reminded him that the greatest inheritance is not material but spiritual. In the same way, our planning should not only distribute assets but also reflect our values, faith, and love.
Bringing Our Anxieties to God
Yet notice what Abram does with his worry: he brings it straight to God. This is the example for us. Scripture tells us:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
God invites us to bring not only our fears about today but also our questions about tomorrow—including the legacy we hope to leave. Because of Christ, we can approach Him with confidence:
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
God’s Tenderness in Our Planning
Abram’s story reminds us that God meets us with tenderness even when our faith feels shaky. He doesn’t scold us for our questions; instead, He reassures us of His presence. As we make plans for the future—our families, our resources, our heirs—we can rest in this same truth: God is our shield and our reward.
When we remember Him as the center of our legacy, estate planning becomes not just a legal or financial task, but an act of worship and trust.
Amen!
