Faith Is Faith
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
How strong is your faith? Take a serious sacred pause and ponder this.
Consider the incredible faith of Abraham as he led his only son, Issac, up the mountain. The plan? God told him to sacrifice Issac. He took a couple of servants with him and off they went. Most likely the servants had no idea what was going to happen. They just followed their master’s request.
With each step he took, Abraham might have been talking to God or he simply walked in silence as he tried to make sense of God’s command. Even to comply took a faith that we can’t quite imagine. He loved his son. God had promised him that he would be the father of many and yet he was facing the most excruciating emotional pain—giving His boy as a sacrifice, a burnt offering.
He left his servants at some point and took Issac ahead. Abraham and the boy carried the fire wood. Interesting that he told his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you (Genesis 22:5, NIV).” Did you catch it? “We will come back…”
Abraham’s faith was tested but he passed! He had confidence even though he couldn’t see it. With the knife raised above Issac, the bleating of a ram (and an angel of the Lord) stopped him. Abraham knew and even told Issac that God would provide the burnt offering. And He did!
Now, how strong is your faith? You say, ‘that was then and this is now’ but faith is still faith. In our world today, do people have that kind of relationship with the Creator of the universe? Does time make that kind of difference? It is not BC, but 2026. We are hindered by technology, instant contact, and drive-through living mentality. If God asked you to make that kind of sacrifice, could you or would you do it?
Media would proclaim your insanity! You would be known and recognized around the world. You’d be a celebrity or sorts, especially if God provided a way out. Let’s make it a little easier. What about an old habit that He has been asking you to walk away from? Could you do it if it meant living longer? How about a restored relationship? Maybe giving up chasing the dollar to find peace?
No matter what you call it, faith still wins the day.
Loving Lord, thank You for examples of unquestionable faith. Please teach us to deepen our relationship with You so that we clearly hear Your voice. AMEN.