What is your reward? Many of us would answer, our children. For some of us it would be our jobs, our spouse, helping those in need.
Jonathan changed my life for the better eighteen years ago. So I am coming to realize that a part of my current struggle is that I made his success a part of my reward. I thought that if I invested in his life, was a good mother, and taught him about God’s love for him, that he would go on to do great things. My son’s death has now brought me face to face with the realization that my children may not be my great reward. So, what is?
As God begins his covenant with Abram in Genesis 15, he tells Abram: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.” Is God enough for us? I’m with Abram in his question: 2But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?†3And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.†Pretty bold question for man to ask the God of the universe. God answers with a math problem (count the stars if you can), to display Abram’s decedents.
I have to decide if God is enough for me. Are his promises trustworthy? Can I believe that God will do what he says he will do in my life? God later tells Abram and Sarah to name their boy to be Isaac (laughter). Love that God has a sense of humor! But, God also tells Abram that his decedents will be captives for 400 years.
Jesus told us that in this life we will have troubles, but those troubles are never the end of our story! David also acknowledge this when he looked back at his life and declared in Psalm 71:20-21 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. 21 You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.
God you are enough for me!