Genesis 22:1

Faith is not just believing the right things but it is walking in obedience to God based on our firm conviction of His righteous character and His ultimate plan for our lives. Central to this life of faith for New Testament Christians are the clear admonitions in Christ’s teachings in the gospels and the apostles teachings throughout the epistles. In virtually every conceivable aspect of life, God’s Word has given us God’s will for our attitudes and actions as Christ-followers. So, our version of “Here I am Lord” is our faith/choice to say to God, “I am all in with You Lord. From my inner attitudes to my outer actions, I am going to seek Your will through Your Word and Your Spirit and then in Your strength I am going to live it out, put it into practice. Because You are my Lord! You have purchased me with Your blood and my life belongs to You. Your agenda is my agenda.”  And then go and do it!

PASSAGE: Genesis 22:1 - "Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied."

PAUSE: God tested Abraham! Tests are not meant to catch us off guard; instead, they are opportunities to prove to ourselves and others that our preparation is authentic. Abraham affirms to himself and other believers that his faith in the Lord is genuine. God is not interested in proving us wrong; instead, he desires to prove us right before him and those closest to us. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, change my perspectives on tests. Allow me to see tests and trials as opportunities to strengthen my faith and to show the world that my faith is genuine.