A TEST OF FAITH #1

BLOG #56 - 5/22/2020

God told Abraham to take his only son, Isaac, and sacrifice him on the alter as a burnt offering (Genesis 22:2). How would you react if you were in Abraham’s situation? Abraham’s response may shock you! Abraham did what God asked him to do (read Hebrews 11:17-19). Why? Abraham believed God would keep the promise God had given him. Abraham told his servants to stay with the donkey until he and his son, Isaac, worshiped and returned (Genesis 22:5). On the way to the altar, Isaac asked his father “…where is the lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham said, “God…will provide the lamb for the burnt offering…” (Genesis 22:7, NIV).

We can learn some lessons from the way Abraham handled the test. First, Abraham proved God’s will was a priority in his life. Second, Abraham showed what God called him to do was not impossible. It is interesting in Genesis 22:14, NIV, Abraham called the place where he was to sacrifice his son “The Lord Will Provide.” Instead of Isaac, a ram was sacrificed. 1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV says: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” The way out is not the way of defeat, it is the way of victory. It never was in God’s plan for Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac.