READ THIS
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:” (Hebrews 11:17-18)
THINK ABOUT THIS
God is going to test your faith by asking you to do something that may surprise you. The test is often not in giving up wrong things and bad things, but in giving up good things. It would be relatively easy if God only asked us to give up bad things. Most of us don’t have trouble trying to give up lying, stealing, cheating, or pride to show that we love Him. But that’s not what God is asking. God had given Abraham a possession, a wonderful son. God had also given to Abraham a promise that He would make Abraham into a great nation. And that promise was going to come through the gift of Isaac. But now God seemed to be asking for all of it back.
Are you able to give your blessings back to God? The question is not if you are willing to give up your sins for God. Are you willing to give your blessings back to God? That’s what Abraham was asked to do.
How hard do you find it to give up good things God has given you?
Why is it important to be obedient when God asks you for something?
PRACTICE THIS
Take time to reflect on the good thing God might be calling you to give up. How will you respond?