A Life of Sacrifice (2)
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. - James 1:12
The word translated ‘tempt’ in its original rendering means tests and trials. God does not tempt people with evil, but he does test us, not because he does not know us, but because we don’t know ourselves. Here the Bible tells us that God tested Abraham. I want you to understand that an untested man, though may look innocent, but he is not reliable.
God gave Abraham the opportunity to go back if he wanted, but he insisted on following God’s plan. He passed the test of commitment. The devil will always bid high on us; he will always tell us that obeying God is too costly, but beloved, obedience to God is never as costly as disobedience.
The devil as a blackmailer will always want to accuse us before God. For instance, he told God that Job loved Him because of what he got from Him. But Job and Abraham proved the devil wrong. Abraham did not promote his emotion above divine instruction. He gave God his Isaac for he believed that God was able to bring back from the grave his son. Isaac was a covenant child and figuratively God brought his Isaac back by providing a ram as a replacement.
Faith that is not tested cannot be trusted. Some believed that Abraham obeyed reluctantly, No! He knew the outcome as a man of faith and vision; he rejoiced in his spirit throughout the three days journey. We ought to know that God has not lost control over our lives; He is still God. Abraham passed the test because he had faith in God to bring the dead back to life. Beloved, God left Abraham with a decision to make concerning the sacrifice of His son; He did not force him. God will not force anything on you, He will always leave you with a decision to make about your life, but your decision does not leave you the same. There are consequences for every decision you make in life.
Apostle Paul was persuaded about his future and when you are persuaded about your future, there is nothing you will not do to please God. Paul was willing to go through a season of pain to create an eternity gain. Some do not think it’s important; all they want is an easy way out. The enemy will create cheap doors for those looking for an easy and cheap way; but they are doors going nowhere. If you want to have a future in God, you better create it by pursuing God and going through the road God approves for you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me your ways and lead me in the way I should go today. Amen
Further Reading: Genesis 22:13; 1 Corinthians 8:1-4; 1 John 3:11; Galatians 6:2.
One-year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40; Acts 27:1-20; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 18:22
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