“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Heb 11:17-19).
There was nothing in Jewish antiquity that required child sacrifice, yet Abraham was willing to be obedient to the word of God. Once proven willing in the most heart-wrenching test imaginable, God was satisfied with Abraham’s faith and gave Isaac back to Abraham.
What is the hardest test of faith you have ever endured? For Sue and I, up until last September, it was two miscarriages in our first five years of marriage and the very real prospect of never having children. But through our faith, which at that time was far more feeble than Abraham’s, yet true faith nevertheless, we were given two incredible children who today bless their communities in public service, along with five beautiful grandchildren.
Abraham knew that his offspring would be named through Isaac, and he could not understand in human terms why God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac on an altar of fire! Look back on your life and find tests of faith that seemed impossible, and where God acknowledged your faith.
Then pass it on!
“By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones” (Heb 11:20-22).
Today, Sue and I face our biggest test – ten long months of intense vertigo since Sue’s fall last year. Will it ever abate, or is this permanent? I believe with all the faith I can muster that it will be healed by the Great Physician.
But by faith, a bit like Abraham, we are learning to obey whatever God directs, in fervent hope that Sue’s balance will “be given back” to us just as Isaac was given back to Abraham.
By faith.
Pass it on!