Protecting your sacrifice in the season of promise

There are seasons in our lives when God speaks clearly about His promises for us. In those moments, our hearts are filled with faith, hope, and anticipation for what He is about to do. We respond to His word with obedience and sometimes with sacrifice. That sacrifice may look like giving financially, serving faithfully, surrendering our time, or stepping out in obedience when it would be easier to stay comfortable. 

And in those times of promise, obedience, and sacrifice, we need to remember that the season also requires protection.

In Genesis 15, God gave Abraham the promise of a son and descendants as numerous as the stars. Abraham believed the promise of the Lord for His life and asked the Lord for proof that it would happen for Him. God instructed Abraham to prepare an offering. Abraham obeyed the Lord and laid out the sacrifice exactly as God instructed. Then something interested happened:

“And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.” - Genesis 15:11

Abraham had already obeyed.

He had already prepared the sacrifice.

But his responsibility was not finished yet.

He had to guard it.

The Enemy Attacks What God Is Establishing

Abrahams sacrifice represented his obedience, his belief in the promises that God gave Him, and his participation in the covenant God was establishing with him. Yet the vultures came to consume what had been offered to the Lord.

In the same way, when we respond to God’s promises through obedience and sacrifice, the enemy often attempts to come and devour what has been offered.

The enemy often works through:

• Discouragement

• Delay

• Doubt

• Weariness

You may have sacrificed time to serve the Lord, only to feel overlooked.
You may have given financially in obedience and then faced unexpected pressure.
You may have stepped into ministry, only to encounter resistance or criticism.

These moments are often when the “vultures” begin circling.

The enemies goal is not just to attack your sacrifice but to make you feel defeated so you abandon the promise.

Protect the Sacrifice

In Genesis 15, Abraham did not sit passively and watch the birds devour what He had prepared for the Lord. He took action and the Scripture says he drove them away.

This is a powerful picture for us today. When we protect our sacrifice it means we refuse to allow the enemy to steal what we have given to God through our obedience.

We protect it when we:

• Guard our heart against discouragement

• Refuse to entertain lies that question our obedience

• Stay faithful even when we don’t see immediate results

• Continue trusting God with what we have surrendered

Sacrifice offered to the Lord is never wasted and heaven records every act of obedience.

The Space Between Promise and Fulfillment

One of the hardest places to stand is between the promise and its fulfillment. This is the place where faith is tested and perseverance is developed.

Abraham had heard God’s promise that he would have a son and become the father of many nations. Yet the fulfillment had not arrived yet. In that waiting season he remained present and protected the sacrifice that had been offered.

If God gave you the promise, He is faithful to fulfill it.

Our responsibility is not to make the promise happen in our own strength. Our responsibility is to remain faithful, trust Him, and partner with Him.

Protect your sacrifice.

Protect your obedience.

Protect your faith.

Do not allow discouragement, delay, or opposition to convince you that you didn’t hear the promises from God correctly or that what you offered to God was in vain.

The enemy may circle, but he does not have the authority to consume what belongs to the Lord.

A Prayer

Lord, help me to guard what I have placed on the altar before You. When discouragement comes, give me the strength to drive away the lies of the enemy. Teach me to remain faithful in the space between promise and fulfillment. I trust that every sacrifice made in obedience to You is seen and honored. Strengthen my faith to stand firm until every promise You have spoken is fulfilled. In Jesus’ name, Amen.