The grass is not always greener

Scripture: 

Genesis 15:1
"After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. "(NiV)

Observation: 

Not long before this visit from the Lord, Lot and Abraham had separated after dividing the land so both families could survive.  Lot chose the land of Jordan, which was very near Sodom.  At some point after, Lot was living in Sodom.  A great war broke out, and Lot was caught in the middle.  He was captured by the enemy. When Abraham heard of this, he gathered all of the fighting men he had (318) and chased those who had captured his nephew and family.  He defeated those who held Lot captive and rescued his nephew and family.  .  Abram was probably troubled over many things.  First, God kept promising him that he would have more descendants than the stars, and Abram was still waiting...and growing older by the day.  Abram may have also been concerned over the possibility of retaliation by the kings whom he had just defeated. Then God comes to him in a dream, in the midst of these concerns and says, "Abram,  don't be afraid.  I will protect you and reward you greatly"(Contemporary English Version).  He knows what is troubling Abram, and he addresses those concerns very specifically. This is God's covenant with Abraham.  

Application: 

Have you ever done something (after much prayer and reflection) that you weren't so sure was a good (or maybe safe) idea afterwards?  Maybe something that caused you some discomfort as a result, or loss of sleep over what was to come next?  Maybe married life isn't as easy as you thought it would be.  Is that new job not going as well as you thought it would?  Or maybe you are just sick and tired of waiting on God to do what He has promised He would do.  Whatever the situation, God has something to say to you...."Don't worry.  I've got it all under control.  I will make sure you are taken care of.  If you stay faithful to me, I will remain faithful to you.  I will be the safeguard you need...I will care for you.  O yeah, and those things I promised you, wow will you be amazed when I fulfill them! Trust in me, I will always be here for you!"

Prayer: 

Lord, sometimes the grass really does look greener on the other side of the fence.  Sometimes it is hard to believe that you can do everything you have promised. Help me to not look over my shoulder at what could have been, what used to be, or what might be in the future. Help me to remember that you will be my shelter always.  I trust that you will be faithful to me.  I believe that your promises will be filled.  There is nothing too great for you to accomplish.  I love you Lord!