He said, “Take now your son…” —Genesis 22:2
God’s command is, “Take now,” not later. It is incredible how we debate! We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later— it must be done now. And the sacrifice must be worked through our will before we actually perform it.
“So Abraham rose early in the morning…and went to the place of which God had told him” (Genesis 22:3). Oh, the wonderful simplicity of Abraham! When God spoke, he did not “confer with flesh and blood” (Galatians 1:16). Beware when you want to “confer with flesh and blood” or even your own thoughts, insights, or understandings— anything that is not based on your personal relationship with God. These are all things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.
Abraham did not choose what the sacrifice would be. Always guard against self-chosen service for God. Self-sacrifice may be a disease that impairs your service. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; or even if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential will of God means a hard and difficult time for you, go through it. But never decide the place of your own martyrdom, as if to say, “I will only go to there, but no farther.” God chose the test for Abraham, and Abraham neither delayed nor protested, but steadily obeyed. If you are not living in touch with God, it is easy to blame Him or pass judgment on Him. You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one.
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November 11, 2014
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
Lord, Chambers once again reminds me that when you make your will known to me, and often I wonder and wander around on this important step; that I am to respond immediately. But I am often confused regarding Your will, especially when I am at a crossroads facing difficult times, uncertainty and pressure all around. Although I have never faced the same kind of pressure as Abraham, I have often found myself in difficult situations, calling out to You for rescue, direction and answers, only to hear the cacophony of silence. Is this the way of the lesson? That I wait on You? Wait until I am certain of Your will even though it seems as if You will never answer?
And God says…”Remember My promises, recall My commitments to You and yours… those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired…..Know that I shall meet all your needs according to My riches in glory. And I know the plans I have for you; they are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own ways and means and I will make your paths straight. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I shall provide everything else you require.”
“Do not measure my response by your ideas of time and need. My ways are not your ways. Do not evaluate my response by what you can and cannot see, touch, taste, feel or hear. Your senses are too limiting. Know that I am God, and all things work for good for those that love the Lord. If I did not spare my Son, I will not spare you any good thing.”
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