Genesis 15:1 – “After these things, the Lord’s message came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield and the one who will reward you in great abundance.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word, the Holy Spirit moved me to consider our involvement in fulfilling God’s Promises and Assignments.   Genesis 15 is the well-known Abrahamic Covenant revelation.  

God told Abram His plan and issued His promise.   Abram questioned the absence of a child born to him.  How could this promise of God be because there was no visible pathway?  God had him look at the sky and envision the unendingness of it.  He said, “That is what your posterity will be, uncountable and limitless.”

Abram questioned how he could know that he would inherit God’s promise.   Instead of being angry with what seemed a lack of faith, God cut a Covenant with Abram.  Abram, as did those of that time, understood the power and permanence of covenant.   Blood Covenant was for life, unbreakable or breakable, at the price of the life of the one breaking it.  God can’t die. Therefore, God’s Covenant would be a guarantee of completion.

Abram laid out the sacrifice, and then something interesting happened.   The birds of prey came (representing the powers of darkness attempting to pervert, pollute, and steal the promise). 

Abram drove them away.  What the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart was this nugget – Some fail to see the fulfillment of God’s Promises because they don’t protect the sacrifice.   They allow the birds of prey to destroy the promise and pollute the sacrifice.   They allow a carnal mindset to entertain negative thoughts, doubts, and fears and neglect to diligently protect the Promise and Sacrifice with prayer, praise, and declaration, refusing to let the external define the internal and external.

We must protect the sacrifice.   We do not hear the Promise and then wait for God to do everything without our investment.   No, we protect the sacrifice and prepare our hearts to receive it regardless of what happens around us.  Preparation Always Precedes Blessing.  Had Abram allowed the birds to pollute the sacrifice, He would never have received the promise! 

So, whatever God’s Promise is to you, Protect the Sacrifice so that the Covenant becomes a visible, experienced reality.  God’s Promises are as sure as God Himself, but He expects us to be involved.  How?  Most frequently, it is done by thinking God’s thoughts and praying, praising, and practicing what He has said. 

He has made you Promises, believe them, embrace them, guard them, and protect the sacrifice.  He never fails!

Have a wonderful day living in the Blessings of God’s Covenant and Kingdom!  This is your day to be victorious!