TESTING OF FAITH

 

    In every life there comes a time of testing where we find out who we really are.  For Abraham God asked him to do something that was beyond what most people will ever be asked.  This is a time of self sacrifice. 

     God asked Abraham to bring his son Isaac to the top of Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice.  Some would say that he was a madman and a monster.  Yet without hesitation he did what God told him to do.  When they were on the way to the mountain Isaac notice that his dad had the knife and provisions for the sacrifice but no sacrifice.  Abraham told him that God would provide. 

     One of lesson we can learn from this story is that the Lord will also provide a step of faith.  In this way Abraham is a type because like God he was willing to offer his son.  Jesus Christ became our sacrifice for sin. 

     Isaac in this story is a type of Christ.  He trusted in his father.  He was obedient and submissive to the will of his father.  He had complete confidence in his father and what his father wanted.  When the time came Abrahm was about to follow through and God stopped him.  A ram was nearby and it became the sacrifice.  So, what did Abraham learn?

     Abraham grew in his faith, he matured, became more patient, more disciplined and fruitful.  It purified him.  He trusted God more.  It helped him overcome fear, doubt and difficult circumstances. 

     Faith in God assures success.  It is our defensive weapon from the attacks of the world.  It brings results in prayer.  It brings blessing.  It brings absolute trust in the character and nature of God.  When we give, we are blessing others especially when we do it without reservation.  Through Abraham we learn that faithfulness and obedience are important qualities needed especially in todays wicked world. 

     Times of testing do come and how we respond shows what kind of faith we have.   Trust the Lord and you will see him come through every time.