God provides through trials

“And He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” Genesis 22: 12

 

God’s intervention showed that He never intended to go through with the sacrifice but that it was indeed a test. Just when Abraham was about to slay his son, an Angel of the Lord stopped him: “…now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (Gen. 22:12). To fear God means to reverence Him as sovereign, trust Him implicitly, and obey Him without question. This approach characterizes a faithful worshipper of God. He holds nothing back from God but obediently gives Him what He asks and always trusts that He will provide.

 

A look at Abraham’s life shows that his faith was not born in a day but had already gone through some trying times. He left his home in a modern city and headed to an unknown land. He was childless when he was given the promise that in his seed all the nations of the world would be blessed. And then the test of all tests: to offer the promised child, Isaac, as a burnt offering to God.

 

He did not protest or offer any form of resistance. He got up early in the morning and traveled for three days with Isaac until they reached the place of sacrifice. One can only imagine what was going on in Abraham’s mind. Why was God asking him to slay the promised child? Nonetheless, he did not retreat, disobey, or turn aside to avoid making the sacrifice. All along, he trusted God: “God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8). And God did!

 

Do you fear God enough to obey Him. Is there a trial in your life that you are wrestling with? If so, trust God; He will provide a way for you.