“And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.””
Genesis 15:4 NKJV
In Genesis 15, Abram reveals to God the anxiety and uncertainty weighing on his heart. Despite God’s promise to be his shield and his exceedingly great reward, Abram wonders how the promise can come to pass if he has no heir. But what strikes us in this passage is not Abram’s fear—it is God’s response.
The Almighty does not rebuke Abram for his doubt. Instead, He answers with tenderness and reassurance: “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” What love! What patience! What gentleness from the Ruler of heaven and earth.
This same tenderness is at work in our lives today. In moments of uncertainty—whether about family, finances, or the future—God’s Word offers encouragement and perspective. His promises remind us that He sees beyond what we can see, and His plans for us are good.
The Connection to Estate Planning
When we reflect on Abram’s concern for his heir, we are reminded of a truth that touches every generation: the desire to provide for those who come after us. Abram’s cry to God was not only about his present situation but about his legacy. Who would inherit? Who would carry forward what God had blessed him with?
This is where biblical wisdom connects to estate planning in our lives today. Just as Abram’s legacy was secured by God’s promise, we too are called to prepare thoughtfully for the future of our families. Estate planning is not about fear or control; it is an act of stewardship and love.
• Stewardship: Everything we have belongs first to God (Psalm 24:1). Estate planning allows us to manage His resources faithfully, even beyond our lifetime.
• Provision: Like Abram, we long to know our heirs will be cared for. Through wills, trusts, and intentional planning, we provide for their needs and secure their future.
• Peace: Planning ahead removes uncertainty and anxiety for our loved ones, echoing the reassurance God gave Abram when He said, “Fear not.”
God’s Faithfulness in Our Preparation
Sometimes, in the midst of planning, it is easy to feel overwhelmed—uncertain about the future or unsure of how things will unfold. Yet the same God who reassured Abram reassures us. His tenderness reminds us that He is present in the details.
When we take time to remember how He has already brought us through—how He has met us with encouragement in His Word—we find ourselves moved to thankfulness. That gratitude then becomes the foundation of wise decisions, including how we plan for the care and provision of those we love.
Estate planning, then, is not merely a legal or financial task. It is a spiritual exercise in trust. It is a way of saying, “Lord, I believe You are faithful. I will steward well what You’ve given me and prepare a blessing for those who come after me.”
So let us bless His name for His faithfulness and love, and let us walk in wisdom as stewards of all He has entrusted to us.
Amen!
