the story of abraham + isaac
Have you ever read the story of Abraham and Isaac? Can you imagine how much faith it would take to be willing to kill your only son that you had waited on for years?
Even when defeat seems inevitable, Abraham trusts the Lord. Abraham had faith (Heb 11) and it was counted to him as righteousness. It took something really, really hard to bring out his faith.
Yikes. I wish easy stuff could bring out our faith! But it is in the testing that produces faith. James 1:3-4 says, “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
And Romans 5:3-5 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Were do you go when you are feeling anxious?
Do your actions reveal that you believe there is a God that has enough grace for you (2 Cor 12:9, 2 Cor 9:80)? Or do your reactions reveal that you are just going to trust in yourself and try to be better next time?
God is omniscient (all knowing), he already knew Abraham feared Him and it was counted to him as righteousness; God is revealing to Abraham that God is the faithful one, that He is your provider.
God did not spare his only son, whom he loves, how much more will he not give you? What good thing will he withhold from you?
It may not be what you expect; it may not be what you hope; but it will be good.
God’s faithfulness is greater than your doubts! Praise the Lord.