I’ve never liked tests
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son (Genesis 22:12).
I don’t know anyone who likes tests. Stress and the artificial environment mean most people don’t display their best in that pressure situation. I much prefer to work on a problem with others where my skills are used and others’ abilities complement mine. There’s something cold and lonely about undergoing a test on your own. I can’t imagine how cold Abraham felt when God asked him to sacrifice his son as a test.
This story is confronting for any parent or grandparent to hear. The very thought of anything happening to our children is horrific. Worse still is thinking that their hurt was our fault. The pain and guilt that Abraham would have felt if he hurt Isaac would have crushed him. Yet he chose to obey God and trust his nature. It is here that Abraham’s faith is most clearly shown. Abraham trusted that God’s nature was to show love, compassion and grace. He did not assume he knew better, even when given an impossible task. Somehow God would reward obedience with love and blessing.
I am no Abraham. I would likely fail the test God set him. But that’s the greatness of our God. He doesn’t set that test for me. He allows me to be tested in ways that are to my benefit. As much as I dislike tests, I acknowledge that God teaches me things as I encounter them. I know that when God tests me, I will discover depths of God’s character I would otherwise not know. I am thankful my God knows me and loves me enough to reveal his character how I need most.
Lord God, as I am tested in this life, I pray that you give me strength and wisdom. I pray that you bring me closer to you as I know you more. Amen.
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