Trust and Obey

Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” The next morning Abraham got up early…along with his son, Isaac…and set out for the place God had told him about. —Genesis 22:1-3 (NLT)

Whenever I read this story, I can’t but try and imagine what might have gone through Abraham’s mind. Why would an all-loving and Almighty God demand this horrible and awful thing from him? How is God different from the other pagan gods who demand child sacrifices from their worshippers? Could this be God speaking or is it a demon? What would happen if he disobeyed?

Though Abraham may have been debating these thoughts within, there’s no doubt that he must have been quietly confident and reassured by God’s covenant with him. That Isaac is the promised child in whom all the promises of God resided. This he has heard many times that God promised to create a nation through Isaac.

I remember when the game Candy Crush was a “must-play game” and probably still is for many people today. I started playing the game in 2015. I was very good, competing with other players, and racking up thousands of points. I would play the game at home, on the train on my way to and from work, and every little free time I had was dedicated to playing it.

Then one day while playing, without warning, I heard this gentle voice asking that I give up the game. I initially ignored the voice but over the next few days, I got the same prompting to give up playing the game.

For over two weeks, I debated with God and tried to justify that it’s just a game and that there’s nothing wrong with playing it. Then on this very day in May 2015, while playing the game in the toilet, the Spirit of God clearly spoke to me. He said, “Will you not give up this game for an opportunity to know Me more?”

Wow! This was the turning point! All my arguments, rationalisation, and justifications fizzled out and became meaningless! I immediately deleted my account and uninstalled the game from my phone. I have never played the game or any other game since then.

Today, I am confidently sure that God will not test us by demanding that we sacrifice our children to Him. This is because He has already offered up His only begotten Son Jesus Christ as a once and for all sacrifice for all humanity.

But what is God asking you to give up as a sacrifice in order to know Him more? Is it something as simple and insignificant as a game you like playing or something more difficult, heart-wrenching, and painful?

Whatever God may be demanding that we give up, let us be rest assured that He loves us. He desires to have an enduring lasting relationship with us.

“…Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you…And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.” Genesis 22:16-18 (NLT)

Just as Abraham was blessed because of his obedience, God’s blessing awaits us as we trust and obey Him.

Stay blessed,

LaraLex