AT WHAT COST?
REMINDER: TOMORROW’S FAST – PERSONAL PURCHASES
READ Genesis 22: 1-18
REFLECT
Personally, there is no more challenging a story than that of Abraham and Isaac. As the father of two young children, I can’t imagine how Abraham must have wrestled with the sacrifice God had asked him to make.
Have you ever sacrificed? Given up something of value for the sake of something more worthy? When I think back on times I’ve sacrificed, it was never easy, it was never comfortable, and it was never something I had to do. In fact, when it comes to sacrifice, it’s never something that happens to you, it’s something you have to choose for yourself.
God knew how much Abraham loved Isaac because he had a son of His own and He knew there was no greater sacrifice. God himself was faced with making the same choice, the one that rocks me to my core when I imagine it playing out in my own life. He had to make that awful decision but I’m so thankful He did.
We are called by God to sacrifice for Him and for others. It’s that simple but not that easy. Giving costs us little, sacrificing costs us greatly.
Have you ever sacrificed for God? We are faced with a decision: what’s more important, the gifts we have received from God or God’s purpose for them? Abraham must have wrestled with this, but in the end, his obedience, faith, and boldness were more than evident, they were proven. When God calls you, will you answer as Abraham did, “here I am”?
James 2:21-22
“Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.”
BOTTOM LINE
When challenged to make the most costly sacrifice, Abraham obediently accepted God’s challenge and his faith was proven.
LIVE
All of us will be challenged to sacrifice for the sake of something more worthy. Knowing this, how can you prepare yourself to respond when called upon? Begin by seeking God’s will. Praying and reading your bible strengthens your relationship with God and builds the kind of relationship that solid faith is built on. Be available. When presented with an opportunity, allow God to use your life to further His plans. Moments like this can be life-changing for you and for others. Be bold. Move from knowledge to action by demonstrating your faith. This means stepping out of your comfort zone and truly trusting Him.
PRAY
For the confidence to faithfully sacrifice for God when you are presented with the opportunity.
Marty Brucato
