Gen 22:2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there….”
Genesis 22 has always been troubling to me, and while it still is, I am able to see it through slightly different eyes this morning. God has been building Abraham into a man of great faith. It has been at times a slow and painful process, but step by step, Abraham has become more faithful until we reach this chapter and Abraham doesn’t even balk at God’s direction because he knows that somehow God will make a way.
Gen 22:3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey….
The example Abraham seems to be providing me here is to trust that God will provide. Even when He seems to ask the impossible, trust Him. Even when what’s occurring has the power to rip out your heart, trust God—His love for you, His love for those you love, His sovereign plan, His eternal promise. Even when the way is dark and frightening and you feel utterly helpless, trust God. He will provide.
Gen 22:6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for new eyes to see Abraham’s response to Your call. Thank You for Your fierce love and for making a way where there seems to be no way. Thank You that I can place my loved ones in Your hands, knowing You will provide a way and that I don’t have to see or understand Your ways in advance for You to work. I believe; help my unbelief (Mark 9:24). Amen.
Gen 22:8 Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide….”
Have a blessed day.
Frustrated with my lack of faith…. (devo reflection)
Gen 15:1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Father Abraham is another stalwart of faith whom I have placed on an unintended pedestal. Gen 15 shows his continued struggles (and victories) as he learns to believe and trust God. Commentary posits “The faith that made Abram righteous wasn’t so much believing IN God…as it was BELIEVING God.”
Gen 15:2 But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can You give me since I remain childless….”
That is a struggle that I know well, the struggle that causes me to wrestle with my own faith. I absolutely believe IN God, and I want desperately to BELIEVE His promises, but my doubts, fears, and anxieties plague me. Just like Abram, who asks God, “…how can I be sure…” I want assurances, and sometimes God just needs me to trust Him. “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
Gen 15:5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars….So shall your offspring be.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reassurance. I wrestle with doubt, fear, and anxiety way more than I should, which causes me more doubt, fear, and anxiety. I realized this morning that I am always just a bit afraid that You will get so frustrated with my lack of faith that You will deem me unredeemable, but that is not Your way. Thank You for Your fierce love. Thank You for Your reassurances to Abram and to me. I believe in You deeply. Help me to believe just as deeply in Your promises for me. Draw me closer. Amen.
Gen 15:6 Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.
Have a blessed day.