Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible with me.
Today, read Genesis 22-24. Tests can be frightening and worrisome. But the more prepared you are, the less anxiety they cause. Whether it is an academic test or medical test, knowing what to expect through research or study makes everything less traumatic.
In this short passage of chapter 22, we see Abraham’s love for his son and his faith in God’s promises. God had told Abraham that he would have a son and his descendants would be as abundant as the stars in the sky. He had “studied” God’s behavior and knew that God always did what He said and fulfilled every promise. He reasoned that if God said he would have a lot of family members, then God would provide those people. He loved Isaac and understood that if God took him through this sacrifice, then God would give him more children, or would do something to intervene to stop the sacrifice. Either way, God would provide. What an incredible parallel to when God gave us his one and only son, Jesus whom he loved, as a sacrifice to fulfill a promise of eternal life if we just have faith in Him!
Has God ever tested you?
You know, God never needs information. When He tests, He already knows the outcome. His testing is for our benefit: to reveal strength, weakness, or opportunities to serve Him.
When we live like Abraham, with our focus wholly on God, we learn and grow through testing. It may be a health issue or a family problem that arises. If we stay focused on the Lord, help and answers will come; maybe not right away, but keeping the faith brings a relief from those burdens.
Are you focused on God’s purpose, His promises and His power? Read Hebrews 11:17-19. Has God tested you lately? If so, write your testimony of that testing time and be prepared to share it with someone who is being tested. If you “failed your test”, what do you need to change in your life to “pass your test”?
Pray, Lord, I know that when You test me, it is for my good. You use these tests to reveal weakness and strength, to prepare us for ministry opportunities to come. When I am under stress, remind me to re-focus on Your purpose, promises and power.
