After you finish reading today’s scriptures, come back and use the blurb and question here to dig deeper into the themes of faith, hope, obedience, and suffering. Join your fellow Bible readers in the comments to reflect and chat about what you’re learning!
Abraham displayed the wholeheartedness of his faith by being willing to give everything up to God, holding firm to the promise God had already spoken. Faith looked like trusting God to provide even in impossible circumstances.
What aspects of God’s character stood out to you, challenged you, or encouraged you from today’s reading?
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141 thoughts on "By Faith Abraham Offered"
Abraham didn’t hesitate or ask God why, he obeyed. Just as God is ready and waiting to help us we should be willing to do the same thing for Him. However this is often easier said than done which makes me grateful for His grace and patience with us as we are often unsure
I’m at a place where I’m struggling to have faith and even want the plan God has for me. This darkness I am going through is very painful and I feel I cannot get my faith back nor hear anything from the Lord.
These verses really mean a lot to me..Abraham’s sacrificial obedience to God gave him favor with the Lord. Even when we don’t understand God never gives us back any thing small.. his act of obedience blessed generations… not only his son.. what we give to God he gives us back more than we could imagine or deserve.
The notion of having Abraham kill Isaac is always difficult for me to wrap my head around but it does put into perspective the pain God must have felt when Jesus was killed and the incredible sacrifice that was made for us
The most challenging thing for me to comprehend every time I read about Abraham is how he was going to sacrifice his son. As a mom, I can’t imagine doing that. I can’t imagine the look of sheer terror on my child’s face as I lay them on the altar for God. Abraham is much more brave and faithful than I am.
About 4 years ago God told me to apply to a new job I wasn’t even looking for. It took me off guard a little bit, but because I knew it was God speaking, I didn’t hesitate and did it. I felt God through the entire application and interview process. As soon as I was in the final interview and accepting the position, I felt God “go away” so to speak. He didn’t really “go away”, He just gave me an opportunity to display my faith. I almost gave up, but He sent me little signs and reminders. 4 years later, and I am so much happier in this position He sent me to. I have grown as an educator and a professional. I feel valued and competent. I know He brought me to where I’m at a for a reason and I am SO glad that I trusted Him and stayed. I’m also grateful for a husband who encouraged me to stay. God is just so incredible. ❤️
I have started a new business that I believe God led me too. I am having a wobble but I feel like thus is God giving me the opportunity to show obedience and faith on him!. It’s tough but I keep praying that this is God’s plan for me and when he wants me to do something else he will let me know. Lord I pray that my faith will help me stay strong when the world seems against me. Better days are coming!
Abraham trusted God to provide even if it meant he had to sacrifice
God didn’t ask Abraham to do anything God wasnt willing to do Himself!
God told Abraham 2 major things: He would be a father of many nations, and that he had to sacrifice his son. Something that stood out to me when it comes to Faith is that Abraham, even though it must have been hard was still able to have faith in both of these words that he heard from the Lord. On his way to sacrifice his son he said WE are going up to worship and WE will be back.
I think this was Abraham’s verbal expression of faith in saying that. I know God told me to sacrifice my son, but I also know that he told me that I would be a father of many nations and it would come through my son Isaac. Abraham spoke in faith in that moment and said WE will be back. This stood out to me because a lot of times when circumstances change in life or we get a new direction from God, we feel like the previous word he gave us is canceled, and that is not so. We just still have to have faith…. Just like Abraham did.
Abrahams courage and faith is what I strive to have, we know that God will provide for us even when everything is on the line
Amen
Trusting in god to have a plan even when you can’t see it fully yourself
I’ve mainly thought of the story of Abraham in terms of what it shows us about his character (his faith, his obedience) instead of God’s character. But it shows us God’s goodness. What he asks of Abraham seems so horrifying to us – sacrificing his only son. But God doesn’t actually make him go through with it. It’s God who will sacrifice his only son. What he asked of Abraham wasn’t anything he wouldn’t ask of himself and while he gave Abraham an alternative sacrifice so that his son could be spared, God did not spare is own son.
I was reminded of this song after reading today: “I Believe You Jesus” by Jesus Culture
I love the mirror of this story to the crucifixion. How could God make his descendants as numerous as the stars if Isaac is sacrificed? I think even if he was terrified, he was willing to do it, but was hoping God would make a way. Just in time, he brought the ram as a substitute for Isaac. In the same way, God gave his son as the sacrifice for US and our sin. Even when he asks us to do scary things, He has a plan and we need to trust him. It’s ultimately for our good & his glory!
I am reminded again of the truth that God always keeps His promises. I love how Abraham believed God would provide a sacrifice and was willing to obey God.
Trusting in the Lord, even when the path ahead seems scary and uncertain. I have been there in my own circumstances. When my child had open heart surgery to save her life they come in beforehand and have you consent to all the things that potentially could go wrong. You just have to trust in God that in those scary times he has your heart in His hands.
I homeschool my daughter and this morning we had the question of “Does God still does miracles in people’s lives? ” She said she believes He does and I reminded her or 4 miracles in our lives in 1 day. She said she never thought about it that way. We had a horrible hail storm come through I believe back in May. We had baseball size hail. I work for my sister so I get to take her with me. The storm happened just as we were about to leave for the day. My mom, sister, daughter and I were standing on the covered back porch as it was coming to an end and it stopped raining. My daughter went out to grab one of the hail stones for the dog to chew on and as she turned back around and started coming back to the house a huge baseball size hailstone fell right where she would have stepped if she hadn’t turned around. 1st miracle. On my way home, I went a way I never go because there are horrible wrecks at that intersection. As I get to the intersection to turn, the guy in the far lane at the stop sign decided to go. He has a 40 foot gooseneck trailer that he is pulling and he pulls out in front of me in the lane I was wanting to turn into. There was an 18-wheeler in the turning lane that had pulled too far forward and I ended up having to turn between them. I don’t know how I turned without hitting either one, but I know who was with me. God has taken control and I knew it. Second miracle. My daughter was on her way home from school and picking up groceries and as she pulled into the carport at the house it started hailing. She had to stay in the carport until it stopped. If she had been in the house she would have gotten hit by glass from her window being broken by the hail. Third miracle. My husband was at work waiting for a guy to unload some equipment. He usually gets off at 4:30. It started storming so he pulled his truck into the big bay at work and watched the hail come down for 45 minutes. When the storm had passed he headed home. If he had left at 4:30 like he usually does, he would have been in the hail storm, as well as a tornado that went right through his path home. Fourth miracle. God protected my whole family that day. 4 different locations and 4 different miracles.
What an amazing testimony to God’ miracles! Thank you for sharing Amy W!!
GOD is an all-knowing God, that He knows what we need before we even realize the need for it. Like as you said and I quote “FAITH looked like TRUSTING GOD to provide even in impossible circumstances.” (Emphasis mine) but it is fully trusting God to do the work no matter how countercultural God’s way maybe. So Father, help me to trust and obey You, Your character, Your promises and Your plans for me and not doubt because of where I am or what I do not have right now…instead focus on You! Amen.
I pray that my faith would be made known by my actions. I pray that I would obey God, in whatever he calls me to do.
Sorry Im trying to check out the He Reads Truth. I did the reading today and nobody left a reply on the website, Yet 109 replies here, Is He Reads Truth a dead community?
lol, that’s funny! We always laugh that the “mens” never has comments, yet over here we get SO much out of each other’s insights, comments, and questions! There used to be a comment here and there on HRT, but pretty rare!! YOU should try to leave a comment a day and that might encourage others. When they have guest writers doing the devotional, a lot of us like to read HRT in addition to here! We are overachievers! :)
Abraham loved the Lord so much that when God gave him a commandment and a heady title Abraham didn’t see it as troublesome he just went and did it. Abraham loved God so much and took the time to know his Lord that he knew God’s character and that God had a plan that was beyond what he could see. His faith and active obedience were results of the close bond that Abraham and Yahweh had. It inspires to trust and God’s plans and get to know him so well that my softness towards the Lord overwhelms my humanity and logic. The reciprocity of a spiritual relationship not only provides in this life but has heavy influence over many other lifetimes as well
Abraham trusted that God is good, even when God asked him to sacrifice his only son, which really doesn’t sound like something a good God would ask. Abraham trusted God’s character and trusted, “God himself will provide the lamb” (Gen 22:8). God did provide a ram, but even more than that I am reminded today of God’s incredible generosity and goodness in providing his son, Jesus, to be the sacrifice for our sins. I can’t imagine a greater grief than loosing a child, and God himself was willing to go there so that we might become children of God.
Abraham trusted in God with everything and I pray to have this kind of faith
God proved in the moment of darkness for Abraham he just needed to have faith the God would provide even though the situation looked bad. He kept his faith.
I am just simply in awe of Gods faithfulness, His absoluteness and His provision. Abraham was so rooted in faith in God that he knew these characteristics to be true of the Lord and told his servants “WE will come back to you.” Faith like that is rewarded with growing closer to the heart of God and that’s all we could ever ask for. When He sends us “faith builders” we come out on the other side knowing what Abraham knew deep in his bones: God is faithful, He provides, and He is absolutely in control.
Thank you for pointing out the “WE will come back to you.” I have never noticed that before when reading the story. Wow!!
Every night when I pray I request that I be made aware of moments where I did my day’s work in my own strength and not in faith. God has graciously been showing me how to rely on him daily. I find myself stopping during the day and releasing control and trusting him more for the energy and attitude needed to complete my day’s tasks.
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world” there is SO much going on in the world right now. Resting in His promises and His strength and love is everything! Thankfully He is in control.
I was struggling with this verse because I was thinking it meant ‘everyone’ thinking we are all God’s creation, but apparently ‘everyone born of God’ is referring to second birth or only those that believe and accepted God/Christ.
God does take us to the edge sometimes before stretching out His hand to grab hold of us, but it is to strengthen our faith and our belief that He is always there to catch us before we fall. My hope rests in this truth, sisters!
I love anything that makes a Christ Connection…the foreshadowing in the story of Abraham & Isaac of God himself providing the lamb — The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. How beautiful and what a privilege it is to be on this side of HisStory and see these connections so clearly. I was also struck by God reaffirming His covenant with Abraham in Gen 22:15 saying, “I swear by Myself,” because there is no one and no thing greater than Himself by which to swear by. LOVE that.
I also don’t think we are meant to read of these “heroes” of the faith and worry that we don’t match up or wonder why we haven’t received an audibly clear promise from God. His promises to us are all throughout Scripture, and we can be sure that He will keep His promises because He is FAITHFUL. He can always be trusted and depended on. He does not / cannot lie, and He ALWAYS does what He says He will do. You can take that to the bank.
Amen!!
Amen!
It always amazes me that God will test His people to such an extent! But! He always has a plan. K owing that He wanted to see Abraham have such faith and display it is showing God’s faithfulness in return.
What aspects of God’s character stood out to you, challenged you, or encouraged you from today’s reading?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who was challenged when reading about poor Issac asking his father where the sacrificial lamb was and Abraham being vague and not telling Issac that he was the sacrifice.
I think what stood out to me the most is putting yourself in Abraham’s shoes. The amount of faith in God to listen to His instruction about sacrificing a child, a child that you desperately wanted and was just gifted, and that God will provide a solution in some way – that is epic.
But I also have overwhelming hope and encouragement that stems from Abraham’s actions and God’s response to his faith. No wonder God chose Abraham to bring about His Son. That kind of faith is stunning.
Loved everyone’s insights! I think what this shows about God is that He is faithful and good! He may ask us to do something hard but He always equips us or provides what we need when we need it! This verse stood out to me:
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
1 John 5:4 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.5.4.ESV
Our faith overcomes the world! It’s the “secret sauce!” Trusting God!
Praying for all!
God isn’t afraid to test us because He isn’t afraid we will fail. He has confidence in us. Perhaps the testing of our faith is for US, to prove to ourselves we have enough faith, hope, and trust in the Lord Almighty.
Thank you for owning that Karen, ME TOO.
Trust and Faith are the two words that stood out to me this morning. Trust, that God will do (and did) what HE said He would do and it takes Faith to see it through even if it takes a while. His timing is always best. Lately I been saying, “daddy knows best” because I know He does! I Trust and have Faith in my Jesus that He will take care of me and YOU sweet sisters. LOVE you all SO much!
Ok, I’m going to put this out there – how many of you have had a very specific promise spoken to you by God? A promise like Abraham got, or like Mary got. A very specific, most undoubtedly spoken by God to you. I haven’t. I have felt like God was speaking to me in generic terms, like “I will take care of you”, but nothing so specific like “I will give you a son”. I’m going to talk to God about that, I think I’d like to have a specific promise made to me that I can trust God for, and build my faith with.
Love this! Me too!
I’m going to do this as well!
I know what you are saying Kris, sometimes it’s hard to know what to do in a certain situation or if it is a promise of God. That’s what faith is about I believe. Trusting your heart that God will provide what you need when you need it. In my 66 years there have been many times in retrospect that I have seern where God worked in my life. I’m not sure that I want to ask God to give me a promise in return for a hard task. My mom always said “Be careful what you ask for”. I love the song by Josh Baldwin “Evidence”. As I look back over my life there are so many times that I could not have gotten through without God. His little miracles, his BIG miracles. But all those things add up and that builds our faith. It is hard to imagine that I would be able to sacrifice my son or even do any of the things God promised Abraham and Sarah. I pray that I would have the faith to do that if I needed to. But our stories are all different and praise be to God, my faith keeps telling me that faith in God helps me to do hard things. ❤️
So true Catherine…definitely easier to look back and see the faith/God coming through, and that builds us so we know we know now!! (hopefully) Like you have said, you thought you had strong faith, until your cancer, but then you realized he’s still got ya!! I think God must know where we are and challenge us when needed and come to our rescue when needed. YET, the devil IS the tempter, and easy to lead us a stray. That’s why it’s imperative to stay close to God, wearing the armor and knowing his truth, and all the examples and stories in the bible!! I am reading Isiah now, and it does make me tremble a bit to see the similarities and the warnings of the nation. I am glad I will be in the remnant, as a daughter of the King!But I must trust and obey by faith.
I do think that a great question Kris!! I don’t think many people hear an audible promise like that, but he does talk to us many, many ways- in dreams, in his word, through other people, in meditation and prayer. I have recently got an overwhelming heat and sensation and a thought that comes immediately when I have had 2 different people talking to me and worried. And he made me feel he was very proud of them and to tell them. I might too, journal about a promise to me and see if I hear anything!
In this week’s podcast, a powerful message, which relates to today’s scripture, resonated deeply: “One of the things we can know by faith is that, as we are stepping forward, God is preparing a ram; it’s coming up on the other side of the mountain. We can’t see it, even if we are walking by obedience. The ram is getting ready, even when we can’t see it.”
This speaks profoundly of God’s provision, reminding us that even when we’re unable to see what lies ahead, God is actively working in unseen ways. Faith and trust become our foundation as we step forward, assured that He is already setting in motion what we need, just as He provided a ram for Abraham. It encourages us to trust His timing, knowing that He provides precisely when we need it most.
Sometimes it is so hard to trust and take that step forward in faith. Primarily, for me, it is trusting that I heard the directive clearly. That is always where I get hung up and the biggest obstacle to my obedience. Truthfully I find studying Hebrews challenging as we are bring asked to emulate people who communicated with God with zero ambiguity. Appreciate your example of trust Maria.
This is soooo good!
Thanks for sharing!
I’m sharing with my husband! We both needed this reminder this morning. We were at our dental lab yesterday gathering information and reports, trying to find a way to reduce our tax obligation and it was very discouraging. It also showed us how much our business had decreased in the last few years. We’ve been so focused on Steve’s health problems that the business has suffered.
I don’t know what God’s plan/provision will be. But this reminds me that there is a ram getting ready, even though we don’t see it yet.
Yes, your ram is being prepared. Or you Red Sea moment as well! When there looks like there’s no way-, he will make a way.ay..ay, always make a way. There’s a song by Elevation Worship “Make A Way” that’s really good on this! Praying for you on this issue!
Continued prayers for you both. And yes, I fully trust you ram is on the other side of the mountain. Have faith in God’s timing, sister
Several years ago I was pregnant and alone. I got up one Sunday morning to go to church and my church was in another town. I was very pregnant like 8 months. I did not have roadside back then. On my way to church I had a flat. Sad to say I did not have a spare.
A man following behind me stopped and offered to help. I had to confess I did not have a spare. The man took his spare tire which miraculously was perfect fit. He insisted on following me to the Walmart and he insisted I keep the spare. I really felt no danger nor harm nor fear when he approached me when I was stranded He even tried to pay for my new tire. That morning the Lord whispered to me to grab some cash from my kitchen stash not knowing why.
The time that man left his house had to have been coordinated by God for us to cross paths like that. He got off the exit and went down the same back country road I did.
❤️
Wow, love that!
Tanya, goosebumps reading this. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this,
Maria. It thrills my heart. Our wonderful, loving God! ❤
This is probably one of the most difficult stories for me to fully reconcile mostly because I could not do what Abraham did. But, it’s also one of stories that offers the greatest examples of committed, devoted faith and that God always provides and that He is who He says He is. I am reminded that although I may identify with Abraham, Scripture is to see who God is, His nature, His character, His greatness and seeking to know Him is where I need to direct my heart and mind. In the daily pursuit of seeking the Lord and knowing Him, faith grows.
Lord, continue to draw me to yourself, giving me the desire, persistence, and a diligent heart to pursue, walk in obedience and faith.
The podcast for this week is really so good. My shared response here yesterday felt so disjointed but I felt like listening to the podcast hit on so many of the things I was trying to say in a much better way. Thanks for you responses and encouragement. ❤️
When we believe and trust in the Lord, he will provide.
How far are we willing to go to trust God? I have stepped out of my comfort zone more and more in the last few years, and God meets me there every time! It grows our faith! It is powerful. Of course it doesn’t compare slightly to this story, yet it’s my story, and I am glad I am willing to put works with my faith, to bring my faith alive with action! We could sit back and only use God when we want and need him, or we can get busy saying “yes, I am here, send me Lord!” I want to be a disciple, a minister, a teller of “Jesus is coming”! There is nothing better!!
Rhonda, I always think of you as courageous faith in action! ❤
Oh Vicki, thank you for that! I had wanted to “be used” for years! But could find nothing really to be a part of, and I know now God was really saying- maybe I want you to know me rather than do things for me. I want your time with me and to build a relationship, you don’t even really know me. It was true. I had never even read my Bible in a real way…studying it, reading through the chapters just to learn what it all said on my own accord. That was in 2014..and it wasn’t till years in the word (which has been AMAZING!!). Now I’m being used in mighty ways..BUT I KNOW…HIM! And know the stories, and examples to use, and ways to help people in their struggles. It really is crazy, I don’t even know how to explain it. But God wants a relationship like the people in Hebrews, then the fun starts! :)
I’m all teary now! You explained it very well and I totally get it. Praising the Lord for your witness! ❤️
What if Abraham had not heard God when he drew his knife? Sometimes I get into my own head about things and I can’t hear what is needed around me. He was still open to hear the call even when life seemed to be crumbling before him.
James 2:22 “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.” This verse stood out to me today. My faith is completed by my works! It matters what I also do. Not faith alone.
Yes! Stepping out in works, strengthens our faith! Following God’s prompting, allows us to trust and obey, then see the fruits! We are called to ACTION, how else could we see how God helps us?! He wants us to partner with him, how amazing is that! And even if we don’t see our reward here, it is our heavenly reward we long for!
So true, Rhonda!
I am reminded of what John said on the podcast yesterday… That he is now faster in his obedience because he has a track record of God doing what he said he would do. Abraham is faster in his obedience at this point as well. It was prompt and complete. God asks us to do hard things. God grant me the strength and courage to discern and obey.
Abraham’s willingness to fully follow God’s request is the faith I strive to have because I know in my present state I would have questioned if it was God making such a request. Forgive me Father. I do wonder though in that time did Abraham hear the audible voice of God and the angels? Would that have made a difference in his response? This side of Heaven I may not ever know. Faith building exercises continue … ♥️
God was faithful to intervene at the exact right moment
I wish we had Abrahams internal dialogue during these three days. I’m sure he wrestled with a lot of fear and doubt. It’s easy to judge my faith as less than Abrahams because his story is complete and I’m still in the midst of mine. Also, I can’t help but think that this was more for God to show Abraham the strength of his faith. I think God already knew that Abraham would obey him. Maybe Abraham needed to see how far his commitment to the Lord went and how extravagantly God would provide for him. God, would you give us that level of affirmation and courage to our own faith.
Jody, me too. I also wonder about what the servant was thinking during this time. But to me, I wonder if Sarah had any ideas what would happen. I think mom’s have a gut sense when something “isn’t right.” And did her son tell her what happened?
I wonder this too.
What would our reaction be if our child can home from a trip saying Dad bound me up and tried to kill me, but God stopped him in the nick of time.
I also wonder if Isaac could hear the conversation between Abraham and God or if it was a private conversation. And also how Isaac dealt with the trauma of knowing his dad was capable of killing him.
I thought about this, too. I imagine our good and loving God helped handle that for Isaac’s benefit.
I was struck by Abraham’s response to God’s call – “Here I am!”. It reminded me of several OT characters – Isaiah, Samuel, Jacob, Moses and I’m sure there are others I’ve forgotten. When God called their name they all responded with- here I am! None of them knew what God was going to tell or ask of them. They each responded in faith, the faith that says I fear you but I trust you, my Lord.
I think God calls each one of us to our own life story. He wants to know our willingness to follow him, to trust him, to say a faith-filled Here I am! in whatever or wherever that may be.
In faith Abraham not only offered up Isaac but He also offered himself.
On a side note, I was reminded of that hymn: (chorus)
“Here I am Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart”
This is a favorite from my childhood and one I probably sing once a week!
This song makes me cry every time I sing it. On my mission trips, we would always end with that song and then each share where we heard or saw God during our work.
Did you all notice the comment Abraham made to the young men who went with him? “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then WE’LL COME BACK TO YOU”. May I be listening for the call. Prayers for all your concerns, sisters.
Ok guys. Wow. If you didn’t see my reply to my reply yesterday God gave me a word that said I didn’t take you to the mountain top to push you off, and I immediately envisioned this story, which is crazy, because I didn’t know it was coming today! What gets me the most about this story is the timing. How God waits to the very. Last. Second. To show up. He’s so dramatic in that way. And I keep saying that about baby girl, that she’s going to push me to the very last second, bc her daddy is the same way, and then I realized today, no not her earthly father because her heavenly father is that way. One day I will get it through my thick skull he is there in the good, when it feels like it’s all going to be taken from me, to provide. I don’t have to white knuckle everytime I get a blessing. He didn’t give it to take it right back. Even when literally every sign was pointing that way with Isaac, that wasn’t the reality. Even when it looked like we lost Jesus, it was all a part of the plan.
Yes Lanie. I was excited for that word from God for you. Continued prayers for you and your baby.
Would I have that same faith? That is what I wrestle with. Father God, reward my faith and forgive my doubt. In Jesus name, Amen
His provision ❤️ The providing of the ram always blows my mind.
How did Abraham know that it was God telling him to sacrifice his one and only son? I struggle with recognizing God’s voice and I often don’t know if it’s Him guiding me when I feel lead to do something (take a new job, for instance). One practice of discernment is to test the idea against His Word and promises. God promised Abraham he would be the father of many nations. Sacrificing his son does not support that promise. It fails the test. I’m afraid my faith would have rejected that command as some spirit other than God and I would have missed out on the God’s blessing in my unwillingness to give up everything. But Abraham knew for certain that God was calling him to do this and he would provide a way in impossible circumstances. I want not only that kind of faith but that kind of discernment to know God’s voice.
These were my thoughts exactly! I will continue to pray that I hear His voice above all others and for the faith that when I do, that I follow!
Amen gretel. I struggle with the same thing. I want to talk to God so much that I know his voice well. I appreciate your humility in writing this, it stood out to me.
I can’t read the recounting of this event without tears, unable to grasp Abraham’s strength of faith and total, 100% trust in God. I don’t understand the why of this test of faith and obedience, but it reinforces my need to also have/strive for 100% trust in my life. God is God, and “He is for me, not against me… I am a child of God”, love that song.
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Praying for:
SOPHIE M – dad’s salvation
RHONDA J – dad bedridden due to pain
MARGARET W – surgery recovery
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WENDY B- moved by your testimony, thank you
Here, here, SEARCHING. So true. ❤
Same Searching, as I have one son. The only way I get through it is as a foreshadowing of God’s sacrifice of His only son. God is so merciful to us – He spared Abraham and Isaac. But He did not spare Himself, His only son. And all in His great love for us that we don’t even deserve.
My thoughts too. That level of complete faith is something.
To God be the glory❤️
Thank you Searching, appreciate you!
After this morning’s reading I am left thinking I need to trust God with all things, because He will provide. My other thought was is my heart aligned with God and what he desires for me.
Today what stands out about God is that He can be trusted. Abraham had no idea how God was going to work out His plan, but he trusted God just the same.
He obeyed God when God asked him to sacrifice his only son. He already knew that God kept His word when he promised him a son and then fulfilled that promise. So Abraham obeyed.
God can always be trusted, even when what He asks of us makes no sense whatsoever.
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This challenges me to trust God, even in the unknown, trusting that he who knows my future will direct my steps in order to work out His plan in my life.
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When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word
What a glory He sheds on our way
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
(verse and chorus of Trust and Obey)
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Have a blessed Tuesday!
❤.
Trust and obey, YES! Sharon!❤
“He already knew God kept his word…” yes, Sharon I wondered too if this helped Abraham to obey in this hardest of asks. I love that hymn!
Amen♥️
God will provide for Himself the lamb….On the third day…he (Abraham) laid on Isaac the wood…the pictures of Jesus, the Lamb who carried our cross, was our Perfect sacrificial Lamb! That even though it’s hard to imagine Abraham being willing to give up his child, he knew he would receive back his son, somehow…God promised him Isaac, he wouldn’t keep.Isaac from.him. He knew God was faithful to His promises. And God blessed him and kept every single promise from start to finish. We see at the end of it all, God was always telling the truth. He just wants us to believe Him, trust Him…walk by faith and not by sight!
Thank your for pointing out “on the third day” ❤️
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I was challenged today because I realized that I need to be willing to sacrifice the one thing that God promised me. I need to truly fear God and obey him. I need to worship Him and not his blessings.
I love that “worship Him and not his blessings!”
OMG!
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This is a BIG one! Right?
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The title alone gives me the heebie-geebies!
I know what Abraham was offering, and I know I do not have that heart shift to offer my child, my one and only at that, as a sacrifice..! My heart is pounding as I write..
James 2:21-22 is explained at the bottom of the verse…
James uses the example of Abraham, ” who proved his faith through deeds. Abraham didn’t actually sacrifice Isaac, but he bound and placed him on an altar in obedience to God’s command. Thus, God found him faithful through his actions.. ”
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I think you truly have to be aligned with God, having the Faith ‘that would move mountains’ to do this!
I’m thinking of the fear in My child’s eyes. I’m thinking, will they ever trust me again. I’m thinking, I could not do this, ever…
I’m thinking, do I have that faith and trust in God..
I’m thinking… OMG. that is a BIG ask!.
Goodness me, I’m thinking…!!!!
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BUT GOD..
These are questions I must ask myself, I think before I lose the plot..
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Do I believe God, as Abraham did? Do I trust His promises as Abraham did? Have I the Faith and trust, as Abraham did? Verse 22 says.. You see that faith was active together with his works/actions, and by his actions/works, faith was made complete.
I often believe my actions are faith based.. But, now, I wonder!
I know God has not asked me to do something as hard as this, but by golly, it scares me to think, what if..
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This morning, in My conversation and prayer time with Abbi, who is doing a lot better, and working things through in therapy and the proper channel help, we talked about faith in God.. and how He only wants the best for us. How in our trusting Him and His promises, we see Him move in our favour daily..when those heavy thoughts come, He is with us, when the feeling of inadequacy comes, He lifts us up, when we want to give up because we can’t do.. He says we can and enables us.. I guess in the same way, He would equip us to hear His request and obey, because we know He is a loving God who has a plan for each of us, but that plan behind with us trusting in faith that He is Lord, Lord of all and that He has us… Always..
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Amen.
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BUT GOD..
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A ramble, but my thoughts ..
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Happy tuesday, ladies. Looking forward to responses today!
Much love..❤
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Yes, Tina, I’ve often wondered what the relationship was like for Isaac afterwards…. BUT GOD … : )
Abbi is so blessed to have you. I would have loved someone like you in my young life. ❤️
This story has always been a little challenging to me, as it seems against God’s character to even ask that a child be sacrificed. So through the years I have caught bits of teaching that has helped me understand.
The first teaching that stuck out to me was when a pastor pointed out that this is a foreshadowing, like many things in the Old Testament, to Jesus. Abraham didn’t actually have to give his one and only son, but God does. He gives Jesus, his one and only son, for our sins.
The second teaching I found interesting is that scholars believe Isaac was somewhere between age 20 and 40 and Abraham was around 100. We know it was only the two of them, so there is no way Abraham could have forced Isaac onto the alter. Isaac trusted his father, and God, enough to allow himself to be bound and put on an alter. Crazy to think about.
To have such faith that he knew God would make a way, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead…wow! May I have faith like that in my life too!
Today’s events with Abraham and Isaac are one of the many times “Faith looked like trusting God to provide even in impossible circumstances.” (❤️ A Walton)
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Abraham “received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son.”
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This reminds me to hold loosely the blessings God has given, for they are to bring Him glory not me. If they are removed, it is to bring Him even more glory and I need to be ok with that.
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Praying for your requests. Thanks to allfor sharing your thoughts yesterday. SO GOOD.
Kelly, I thought of A. Walton and GRAMSIESUE and Maria too as I read and prayed today.
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Actually as I was writing this, I realized, in light of Nickys comment, it was about, would I be able to let go of the dream once received! Once I had it in my hands..❤
So good..❤
Yes and Amen! Bring God the glory – not me! ❤️
As I read today’s reading, I became overwhelmed – as usual – with my own lack of faith, my failings and all the usual stuff. I am always blown away by the story of Abraham and Isaac, and honestly don’t think I could do anything like that. THEN, as I pondered, the Lord took me in a very unexpected direction. He pointed out that Abraham’s story belongs to Abraham; Noah’s story belonged to Noah, and so on. Their story and God’s will in their lives is uniquely different to His story for *my* life. I don’t have to strive to be like them! I need to walk out His will for my life, which might look completely different to everyone else (especially those I admire), but all the same is equally as important to Him.
This is a huge thing, as I always seem to fall back in feeling inferior, especially during the times I feel “away” from The Lord. So I am making that commitment here and now, that whilst I can learn from others and their stories (especially in Scripture), God isn’t calling me.to BE them, but be me, who He created equally in love.
(Also, this is the first time I’ve been brave enough to share! Maybe that’s also God’s timing ❤️)
Yes, and amen! Fantastic insight.
Thank you for sharing❣️
Thank for sharing NICKY. I really needed to hear that!
Yes! God gut checks me all. The. Time. With the simple phrase, that’s not your story. And Abrahams story really isn’t his story either, it’s God’s, it’s the foreshadowing of Jesus, and so we can be sure that God orchestrated that very faith move.
So perfectly put, Nicky.
Your story is yours and mine is mine.. Phew!
Thank you..❤
Good morning Nicky – thank you for sharing! …I’ve not looked at this passage or others like this before. – Very good observation! “God doesn’t all us to be them, but to be me…” May each one of us follow God and obey Him to whatever He calls us to.
Nicky, thank you so much for sharing your insight! I was feeling the very same way, wondering if I could ever do a thing like this if God called me to it. (and feeling pretty low about it). Your perspective has changed my thinking, and has made me be so grateful for my own personal relationship with God. It’s not going to look like anyone else’s!
Love this. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Nicky for your insights! Wonderfully said and thought provoking! ❤️
Great insight Nicky. some of the same thoughts.
Nicky, so insightful! Thanks for sharing
Love this insight, Nicky! I have had similar thoughts about our stories being just that, OUR stories. And God is in those every bit as much as Abraham’s. Thank you so much for this reminder.
❤️ great insight. Thank you!
Thank you, Nicky! This is great to remember.
I love a God moment, and I am grateful to you for both listening and choosing to share this with all of us this morning. What a wonderful insight – and such a relief to be reminded that we are ALL called to follow God in our own stories, not in someone else’s story.
Preach!! ❤️
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Thanks for sharing your reflections Nicky. ❤️
I love and hate this story all at the same time. This is one of the hardest stories in scripture for me to reconcile with. I absolutely believe the scripture, but I just think of the psychological piece for Isaac. I realize times, cultures were different then, but still… I just struggle so much with this request. I believe in the reflective nature of this story to God sacrificing Jesus (and going through with it) but Jesus was in on that plan the whole time. Anyway, just thought I’d share my honest thoughts.
I’m absolutely with you. I’ve never been able to come to peace with this story. I certainly understand the fact that I can’t get okay with him being willing to sacrifice his son and maybe I’m not supposed to, because that’s exactly what God did for us. I don’t understand how a loving God would put him through the emotional turmoil of killing his own son. I know for a fact that I love God, but I could never hurt my child, even if an angel appeared and asked me to.
I believe Isaac’s faith was as strong as Abraham’s. Isaac could’ve easily escaped I’m sure. But scripture doesn’t say he fought against this. I think he truly believed God would provide the sacrifice that day.
Marrisa, I too struggle with this aspect of this scripture. I think of the terror Isaac must have felt and how it may have affected his life. But perhaps God gave Isaac comfort, understanding and peace so that he could go on with his life being faithful to God? Maybe Abraham told his son of the promise God made right then and there? I cannot believe that God would have let Issac live with the terror and knowledge of this event. Perhaps it’s an example for us to see how God is right there with us in hard terrifying times and we can trust in Him?
I’ve always struggled with this too and wondered how it affected Isaac as well, but this is a great point, Jen. Thanks, that is helpful. I think any mama struggles with this one!!
I try to look at it this way… Abraham was such a good father (bearing the image of the true father) that Isaac trusted his dad- because his dad (Abraham) trusted his father(God). Fortunately I have a good earthly father, I trust him with my life and many other things. It’s easy to trust when someone has always kept their promises, always provided, and always shows up.
The song “What If” by Consumed By Fire just really speaks to me. The first time I heard it, I was undone. Just close your eyes and listen.
https://youtu.be/hALN_U_Vcow?si=8XJ_fBu1Y3EXzRBJ
Whoa! The perfect song. Thanks for sharing!
This account of Abraham’s life is so full of many aspects. One I landed on today is we should never let the whole of who God is slip from our relationship with Him. When God stops the sacrifice, the Genesis text states – “For now I know that you fear God,”. Abraham obeys immediately – an extremely hard command – out of the reverent fear he still has of God Almighty.
Father, may I know daily that the very hard things you ask me to do will turn out for Your glory and my good!
Yes. Amen