Sometimes, doubt follows amazing victories. Has that ever happened to you? That’s what happened to Abraham. The great patriarch experienced a commanding victory…but then, doubt crept in. Perhaps Abraham thought that his adversary would recruit allies and return to fight. But God addressed Abraham’s anxiety. He said, “Fear not . . . I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Abraham responded with a series of questions by addressing God as Adonai Yahweh, translated as “O Lord God.”  

Genesis 15:1-5
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

This name, Adonai, means “Lord” or “Master.” It describes God as the One to whom I surrender my life. God is my Master; I am his servant. He is the authority over my life. I relinquish my desires and dreams to submit my life to him. However, even as Abraham addressed God as Adonai, he still had concerns. He and his wife were old and had no children. His servant, Eliezer, was in line to be the heir of his household. But God had other plans. Abraham would have a son and numerous descendants. Adonai, his Master, was in charge.

What do you need in order to surrender to God, your Master? Is there a distracting desire that keeps you from following hard after God? Is there a sin that keeps you from conceding God’s authority in your life? Is there an unfulfilled dream that has caused you to lose patience with God? What keeps filling your mind with fear and dread? Your Master has great plans for you—hand over the controls. Say with the psalmist, “You are my Adonai; apart from you I have no good thing” (Psalm 16:2 NIV).

Dear Lord,
I have many dreams and desires. There are so many things I want to happen on my terms and in my timeframe. Too often, my impatience leads to worry and distress. Today, I acknowledge you as my Lord and Master. I hand over the controls of my life. You lead; I’ll follow. Let’s walk together on your terms and timetable, not mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen.