Friends, once again I am going to be completely honest with you. As a new mom, this story brings tears to my eyes. I cannot tell you how my heart begins to break thinking of God asking me to sacrifice Baby Jonathan. Just the thought makes me cringe. In fact, just the other day, Joe and I were talking about these verses because they weigh so heavy on my heart. Before I was impressed by Abraham’s faith, but now as a “Momma Bear” who doesn’t want anyone messing with her cub, I can’t even fathom the trip up the mountain for Abraham. How do you even begin that journey, knowing that the Lord has asked you to sacrifice the son you have been praying for?

Let’s look at Genesis 22, verses 6 through 9. Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.

Maybe the Lord is speaking to me again about my faith and encouraging me to pray to have faith similar to Abraham’s. It doesn’t mean I am going to have to sacrifice Baby Jonathan, but it means taking a leap, stepping out of my comfort zone, going where He calls me to go, even if it’s uncomfortable or not what “I” want to do. It’s me saying, “Here I am Lord,” send me. I pray we can have faith like Abraham and together we can lift one another up during the mountainous journey.

Prayer

All Knowing Lord, help us to have faith like Abraham; stepping out and taking risks that You call us to take. Help us to know that You have everything planned out for us and to rest in Your loving arms. Grant us courage and strength to be the Christians You have called us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.