The Lord Will Provide

The story of Abraham – the Father of our faith – is often odd and messy. In this episode from Genesis 22 “Abraham’s Faith Tested”,  God tells him to sacrifice his son Issac.

Talk about feeling conflicted! 

While other ancient spiritual practices included human sacrifice, the God of the Biblical story had not.

By this time in his walk with God, Abraham must have understood that this God was mysterious but real, that He was active and working in his life, and that He could be trusted.

So he chose, in this climactic moment, to set aside all rational thinking and all reasonable logic, and choose to believe that somehow, someway this invisible God would work it out for good. He set out to obey God’s command and sacrifice his son.

I don’t see how I could literally do that, but I have had to sacrifice my own “Isaac’s “or “precious dreams”, even at times when that seemed to contradict the clear promises of God.

The question is, of course, how is this all going to work out?

That was the real question when Issac asked – “where is the sheep for the sacrifice?” Or as I would paraphrase it “Lord what the heck is going on and what are you gonna do about it?”

The Eternal Answer is the same today as it was yesterday.  It’s the same for you and me as it was for Abraham.

“The Lord will provide” 

Genesis 22:14

Abraham named the place Yahweh Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “on the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

Lord, give us the kind of faith you’re looking for. The kind of faith you gave to Abraham.

Prayer:

Father thank you for your goodness, your faithfulness, and your unfailing love. Lord we run to you, for are a refuge in times of trouble. You are a shelter for the oppressed. God we trust you, because You are all together trust worthy. Your word says that “those who know your name trust in you”. Your name is Yahweh-Yireh –  the Lord who provides. Thank you God that you provide all we need at just the right time. In times of confusion and distress, you provide clarity and peace. We ask for your will to be done, and your kingdom to come, on earth as it is in heaven. Have your way in our lives, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Amen.

About Season Of Light

I am writing a devotional series called “Season of Light” (#SeasonOfLife) during the beginning of 2016, focusing on the 40 day season of Epiphany (from January 6 – February 10). We’ll explore the major biblical themes of the beginning of Jesus ministry, and I’ll comment as the Holy Spirit inspires. This is for the purpose of growing in our relationship with the Lord. My desire – my hope and prayer for you – is that your heart may expand and your spirit grow brighter as we seek to be filled with the knowledge and presence of God. So, I invite you to join me on the “Season of Light” journey!

Often I’ll be inspired by a scripture from the Daily Audio Bible readings and use that as a writing prompt. Here’s the DAB readings for January 9

Genesis 20:1-22:24; Matthew 7:15-29; Psalms 9:1-12; Proverbs 2:16-22