After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” (Genesis 22:1, 2 ESV)
This is a hard scripture to understand as it touches the emotions of every parent. We ask the question - "How would I respond? What would I do?"
It was a test.
Did you know that God provides tests as a measure of your progress and maturity in Christ? Did you know that before God can take you to the next level you have to pass the assigned test? You can't skip this process. You cannot ignore it and hope it will go away. Sure, it might be out of mind for a while - but someday you will have to face it again or face the consequences of not being obedient.
Genesis 22 begins with a divine test for Abraham. God calls Abraham to climb Mount Moriah and sacrifice his beloved son. If Abraham would resolve to give up Isaac, God knew hew would be willing to do anything asked of him - and therefore would be the perfect candidate to become the father of the Hebrew people.
Every person reading this will be tested. It might be at different levels and with different means but you will be tested. However, there will be these commonalities:
1- You will get test at each level of growth
2- Your goal is to pass the test
3- Testing always precedes moving to the next level of growth
4- You can't do this on your own - you need God's help at every level of growth in your life
5- Moving forward requires sacrifice - it will be hard at times
Don't run from the test before you. Embrace it and allow God to move you to the next level of growth in your life.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12, 13 ESV)
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