Do We Pass the Test - Encouragement Café - June 11, 2015

Do We Pass the Test

Café Menu for Thursday, June 11, 2015

Today’s Special is: Kick Worry to the Curb

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Carolyn Dale Newell

Main Ingredient:

And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

Genesis 22:14 NKJV

Entrée:

God tested Abraham when He commanded him to sacrifice Isaac, his only son (Gen. 22:1-2).  Like most trials, this one did not make sense.  God had never required a human sacrifice.  It was in direct contrast to His nature.

Why would God take Abraham’s son of old age, especially when He had promised to make him the father of many nations?

Sometimes, God tests us so we can learn to trust Him.  Abraham passed the test.  Not once during the three day journey did he question God.  Abraham knew God as Jehovah Jireh, “The-Lord-Will-Provide”.  

Abraham believed God would resurrect Isaac, even though he had never seen a resurrection (Heb. 11:17-19).  He even told his servants that they would both return from the mountain.  When Isaac asked him where the lamb was, Abraham responded by assuring Isaac, and himself, that God would provide. 

At the very last moment, as Abraham raised the knife to slay his son, God stopped him.  God did exactly what Abraham had told Isaac.  He provided a ram for sacrifice.

Abraham passed the test.  He was obedient, at all cost, even to the point of sacrificing his son.  God blessed Abraham’s obedience by promising him descendants more numerous than the stars (Gen. 22:18).  Obedience always precedes blessing.

Christians go through many tests.  Like Abraham, we must be obedient at all cost.  

God is still Jehovah Jireh.  He will provide!

When the checking account falls short, He will provide.  When you are forced to choose between paying bills and purchasing food, He will provide.  When you face insurmountable medical costs, He will provide.  

He may not move the mountain, but God will provide, just as He provided for Abraham.

We have no need to worry.  We have God’s promise:

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus

Philippians 4:19 NKJV

Take Out:

Read the entire passage in Genesis 22: 1-19. 

What things do you have trouble trusting God to provide for you?  Pray for God to give you peace about this.

Dessert:

Our Father,

We all worry.  Help us to have faith like Abraham – a faith that trusts You completely.  Thank You, Jehovah Jireh, for always providing exactly what we need.  Amen.

© 2015 by Carolyn Dale Newell.  All rights reserved.

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Christianity / Devotionals / Encouragement Café / Do We Pass the Test - Encouragement Café - June 11, 2015