Genesis 22:1-13
1 Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” 2“Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” 3 The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” 6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, 7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” 8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together. 9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. 11 At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” 12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” 13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.
You Don’t Have to Fear The Test
Life is a series of tests, and if you pass the test, you will move on to a new milestone in your life. Whether it is your driver’s license, diploma, or job, preparation is the key to success. Just like in high school, I hated tests, but when I went to college, I decided that I would do all the homework and study for hours in preparation for every exam. This hard work paid off and I experienced success and a respectable GPA.
David prayed to God to test him, and he continually prepared himself in the Lord. In Genesis, God tested Abraham, but Abraham knew God and he trusted Him. Abraham didn’t understand the test, but he still trusted God.
We Don’t Always Understand the Test
Genesis 22:1-4 says, “Sometime later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.”
God tested Abraham by telling him to go and sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham didn’t understand the test but he trusted God anyway despite not fully understanding the test. He showed his faith and devotion to God by obediently following through with what was asked of him, even if it didn’t make sense to him. This serves as a reminder that sometimes we may not understand the tests that come our way, but we can still trust that God has a plan and a purpose for everything.
Some People’s Tests Are More Difficult Than Others’ Tests
It’s important to recognize that some people’s tests may be more difficult than others. Some people may have health issues or financial struggles while others may face relationship problems or loss. However, it’s important to remember that each test is tailored specifically for each individual and what they can handle. No one else can handle the test that you have been given, and vice versa.
This doesn’t mean that some tests are easier or that one person’s struggles are less significant than another’s. Rather, it’s a reminder that God knows what we can handle and He won’t give us more than we can handle with His help. It’s important to trust that God is in control and that He has a plan for each and every test we face.
In the Test, God is Present
During a test, it’s easy to feel like we are alone and that God has deserted us. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. God is always present and He is always with us, even in the midst of the most difficult tests. He never leaves our side and He is always there to help us through.
This is why it’s important to rely on God during the tests we face. When we do, we can find strength and comfort in His presence. We can trust that He has a plan for us and that He is working things out for our good. So, let’s not fear the tests that come our way, but let’s trust in God and rely on Him, knowing that He is always there with us.
Reflecting and Acting
We can learn so much from David's prayer and Abraham's story. As we trust in God, we can have peace knowing that we don't have to fear the tests that come our way. Remember that God is always with us, even when we don't understand the test. Trust in God's goodness and prepare yourself in Him each day.
Guided Prayer
Thank you God for the lessons we can learn from David's prayer and Abraham's story. Help me to trust in You, even when I don't understand the tests that come my way. I know that You are always with me and that You have a plan for my life. Please help me to prepare myself in You each day, so that I can have peace and be ready for any test that comes my way. Amen.