Unwanted Surprises

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)

Have you ever had to deal with unexpected news? Perhaps news from your doctor about finding a tumour in some part of your body? Or an unexpected news from one of your children who has decided to choose an alternative lifestyle? Or your spouse suddenly announcing that they’re giving up a lucrative career in the city to take up unpaid voluntary work.

Have you prayed for a need and when met, had to deal with unwanted surprises? For example, a much expected promotion and then having a horrible boss to deal with? Or having a long-awaited child and then having to be in and out of the hospital because of an unexpected illness?

Whenever I read this story in Genesis 22, I can’t but try to imagine what must have been going through Abraham’s mind. Abraham did not question God, he did not ask Him to repeat or clarify what He just said. But I have no doubt that there must have been a thousand questions going through his mind.

God demanding that he sacrifices his only son must have been a shocking, surprising, unexpected news. Why would an all-loving and Almighty God demand this horrible and awful thing from him?

Though Abraham may have been debating these thoughts within, there’s no doubt he must have been quietly confident and reassured by God’s covenant with him. The covenant 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.

We don’t know why God allows His children to go through some difficult situations. We don’t know why He allows some things to happen. We should, however, be reassured that as long as we are alive, we should be resolutely confident that we are in His perfect plan. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

When we are faced with dealing with unexpected news or an unwanted surprise, the natural tendency is to ask the question why? Our mind is saturated with many thoughts and questions. Where did we get it wrong? Is the situation I’m in a result of sin in my life?

God sometimes tests us with challenging situations to develop our character, mature us and grow our faith.

As hard and challenging as these situations may be, God desires that we turn and draw strength from Him and place our confident trust in Him.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

Stay blessed,

LaraLex