Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Life often presents us with challenges that test our faith and push us to our limits. Trusting God’s purpose usually requires us to navigate through uncertainty, just as it did for Abraham. In this blog post, we will explore how Abraham’s journey can inspire us to trust God’s plans for our lives—even when the path seems unclear.

A Call to Trust

In Genesis 22:2, we read about God asking Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. This command wasn’t simply a test; it represented a profound challenge to Abraham’s faith and trust in God. Would he choose to obey even in the face of unimaginable loss? Similarly, we often find ourselves at crossroads where trusting God requires us to relinquish control over our lives, our dreams, and even our family.
Imagine being asked to leave everything behind, just as God asked Abraham to do! Abraham’s willingness to pack up and follow God to an unknown place speaks volumes about his faith. So, what motivates this level of trust?

Waiting on the Promises

During the years of waiting for God’s promise of descendants, Abraham and his wife Sarah tested their faith and made mistakes. Sarah offered her maidservant to bear a child after growing restless. This decision, while culturally acceptable at the time, was not God’s plan. It reminds us that our impatience can lead us to act outside of God’s will.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re urged, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” This is a vital lesson for us all. When we act impulsively, we take matters into our own hands, often leading to complications and challenges down the road.

The Test of Obedience

The narrative does not end with the birth of Isaac. Later, in a shocking twist, God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22:2) once again. This must have felt like an unimaginable betrayal. Yet, Abraham prepared the altar and made his way to Mount Moriah. The level of obedience at this moment showcases a deep-rooted trust in God’s character and His promises. Abraham believed that even in such a dire situation, God’s goodness would prevail.
Isaiah 41:10 encourages us with the reminder: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” This assurance from God can dispel our anxieties and fears, allowing us to step boldly into the unknown with confidence in His guidance.

Abundant Blessings

Just as Abraham was about to make the ultimate sacrifice, God provided a ram in the thicket. This pivotal moment was not only a profound declaration of God’s mercy but also a clear validation of Abraham’s faith. God’s faithfulness towards Abraham resulted in blessings that extended far beyond his lifetime, filling the world with countless descendants—including you and me!
As we navigate our own journeys of faith, let’s remember that trusting in God’s purpose may lead us through obstacles; however, these hurdles often culminate in blessings. Each step of faith teaches us, shapes us, and draws us closer to God’s perfect plan for our lives.

Conclusion

Being friends with God means embracing His plans and trusting His goodness, even when circumstances look bleak. Are you willing to trust Him today? As we reflect on Abraham’s story, let it be a reminder that in times of doubt, struggles, or fear—we are never alone. God is faithful, even in the uncertainties of life.

Reference List

• Genesis 22:2 (NIV) – “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.’”
• Exodus 15:2 (NIV) – “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
• Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”