Test

I don’t know about you but I HATE taking tests. I get anxiety and I fear that I will fail. I typically panic as it gets closer and try to read over all the material to help my mind understand it and memorize it as fast as I can. Sound about right? But what if this is a test we cannot study for? What if it’s a test that requires us to make a decision that can completely change our path in life? That’s the test I am talking about today. The test that God gives you and watches how you will respond.

There is a specific story I want to focus on that’s in the bible. You might have heard of it before or maybe this is the first time. Either way, the book of Genesis has so many important people that lay the foundation of the bible out for us. I highly recommend you read the book, it will surprise you with some of the things you will read.

I want to focus on the story of Abraham (formally known as Abram) and Sarah who had a son named Isaac. In the beginning Abraham and Sarah were promised by God that they would have a child, they started doubting God because it took them 25 YEARS before they got pregnant with Isaac. At this point Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90 years old having a child. (Um.. I cannot think of any 90 year old lady that would like to birth a child, no thank you.) So let’s fast forward a little and go to the beginning of chapter 22 in Genesis and see how Abraham was tested by God

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!
Here I am, he replied.
Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love-Isaac- and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Genesis 22:1 NIV

Let’s just digest that for a moment. If I was Abraham I would have been like, “you’re telling me to go somewhere I have no specific location, just a region, and sacrifice the son that you made me wait for until I was 100 years old to have?” See, this is why God didnt ask us to do this, because my response would not be the right one. There is a reason Abraham was called “Father of faith” because he was so faithful that he listened and didn’t ask questions. He always answers with, “Here I am” and does whatever God asked of him.

So back to the story, Abraham packed his things and took his son with him to the location God showed him. Verse 6 says that Isaac had to carry the wood to the location of where the sacrifice would take place. Isaac then started questioning what was going to happen.
..”The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”.. Genesis 22:7 NIV
Abraham told Isaac that God will provide the lamb for them. Well, once they got to the location and built the alter, he bounded his son and put him on the alter. He then took out the knife and was about to slay his son when an angel called out his name. He responded again with “Here I am.” (Genesis 22: 8-11 NIV)

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Genesis 22:12 NIV

When Abraham looked up he saw a ram that was nearby and stuck in a thicket. He then sacrificed the ram instead of his son. (Genesis 22:13 NIV)

What I think it amazing is that Isaac had to carry this wood to the location of his sacrifice just as Jesus did. The ram took the place of Isaac just as Jesus took our place on the cross. This story is more than just a random chapter in the bible. This shows us that the testing of our faith is not easy and will be sometimes the hardest thing we have to do, but no matter the test, God always provides for us.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV

Friend, you are going to be tested in your faith, whether that be from God himself or someone you might know. Hold on to the fact that once you make it to the other side of that test, the CROWN of LIFE is there waiting for you as promised by God. God does not break promises and is there to guide us in the right direction. Don’t be upset about the circumstance, be excited about the end when you get to put your crown on and go on to the next test.

Much love,
Charity