Intro: Faith is a journey we must take with God, because without it we cannot please Him (Heb 11:6). We need to remember, however, a faith journey with God can take us way beyond our comfort zones. Sometimes, God makes us prove our faith and our willingness to follow him into the unknown—not within the range of our knowledge, experience, or understanding. God can lead us into very strange places or speak a word to our hearts that makes no sense at all; according to Scripture, He calls these trials a valuable “test.” When God tests our faith, it makes us stronger, as well as reveals our devotion and spiritual maturity.
In our passage today, the writer of Hebrews reminds us of the extraordinary faith of Abraham—the father of true faith. God promised Abraham He would make him the father of innumerable descendants. So, when God tested Abraham by asking him to give back [sacrifice] his promised son, Isaac, Abraham trusted God. You see, Abraham believed God’s promise was unconditional, so he believed God would fulfill the promise even if he had to raise Isaac from the dead. Scripture teaches God never allows us to be tested beyond what we can handle in His power (2 Cor 12:9). I cannot imagine the faith this request and test required. Truly, Abraham is a hero of the faith!
Hebrews 11-17-19 NLT 17 It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, 18 even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” 19 Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for bringing the grace and strength we need when we face the testing of our faith. We know every test fulfills more of your purpose for us to make us more like Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.