Prayer

The passage to read and consider is Genesis 22:1-19. The topic of this bible study is "Making Sacrifices". Has God called you to make a sacrifice? Sometimes, as in this passage, God calls us to make sacrifices to test our faith. God kept His promise to Abraham. He gave him an heir, his son Isaac. Abraham knew sacrificing his son would also mean sacrificing his dream; however, Abraham prepared to do that which the LORD asked of him. How could Abraham possibly understand the LORD's reasoning in this sacrifice? I'm sure he didn't. Just one moment away from killing his only son, the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven. Abraham, after all, was not required to sacrifice his son. God's purpose was not to allow the murder of Isaac; rather, He was testing Abraham's faith. I believe Abraham passed the test! As Stormie Omartian relates this true story to the sacrifice of God's only Son, Jesus, I am astounded by such tremendous love! Isaac carrying the wood for the offering meant for him pictures Jesus carrying His cross to Golgotha. Abraham placing Isaac on the altar pictures God placing His Son on the cross. Abraham raising his knife to kill his son pictures God permitting Jesus to give His life a ransom to whoever chooses to believe. Reflecting on this study, I have to ask myself, "How much do [I] trust God - really?" Would I be willing to die for Him or allow a dream in my life perish? In Stormie Omartian's prayer, she confesses, "I don't want to cling to something You will not bless, or give up on something that is Your will for my life."