Obedience – Dying to Self

Abraham had a life of highs and lows. As Abraham had more victory in his faith walk, God ultimately tested Abraham by having him offer up his son Isaac, the son of promise (Genesis 22:1-19). Abraham’s test was not a temptation but was God’s way of showing Abraham what was in his heart. As Abraham came to Mt. Moriah, he had to leave his servants to go to that place of sacrifice to worship God.

Brokenness is a place of sacrifice and worship that you go alone when God speaks to your heart. When Abraham obeyed by offering Isaac on the altar, not only did his faith mature, but he went to another place in his worship. He experienced a new name for God “The-LORD-Will-Provide.” Our answer to prayers is in our obedience. The answer is sometimes “behind us” after we obey as “the ram was already caught in the thicket behind Abraham.”

Having passed the test, which God already knew he would, God provided a ram for the sacrifice instead of Abraham’s son, and the peaceable fruit of righteousness flourished in Abraham’s heart in a climate of spiritual peace. Success and blessings seem to be connected to action and obedience. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they obey and don’t quit.

PRAYER: Precious Lord as You assign the tests and allow the temptations to come, may we choose obedience even when it may cost us greatly. Thank You for Your Awesome wisdom in how You are conforming us into Your image for Your Glory!!
By Sis. Cheryl Torain