Genesis 22:1-2 After all this, God tested Abraham. God said, “Abraham!” “Yes?” answered Abraham. “I’m listening.” 2 He said, “Take your dear son Isaac whom you love and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I’ll point out to you.”

I would be paralysed with fear if I received such a command from God. Or rather, I would start to reason seriously and ask, “Why do You give only to take it again? That’s not right. Have You forgotten all Your promises then? That’s not what a loving Father does to His child! Would He sacrifice His own child on a pile of stones like that?”

And with that last question, I had painted myself into a corner. God had given up His own Son to die, not on a pile of stones, but on a wooden cross on Golgotha, among criminals.

This command to Abraham came long before Jesus was born. It was a command that plunged Abraham and Sarah into a huge crisis. Abraham did not know that it was a test of faith. And yet he said nothing. He did not ask questions, and he did not complain. He just did it.

This is probably the pinnacle of obedience and faith: to do what God asks of you, even if it costs you everything. And yet one cannot help but wonder what must have gone through Abraham’s mind, and how he must have struggled with the thought of taking his own son’s life.

But that is what true love for God does. That is what true faith does. That is what true trust does. And it only grows within an intimate relationship with God. So, if we’re struggling to let go of everything and do what God asks of us, perhaps we need to take an honest look at our relationship with Him.

Aren’t we sometimes too self-centred? Do we serve God only when it suits us? In such a superficial relationship, there is not enough faith and trust to surrender everything.

May we deepen our devotion to God, investing our time so that, like Abraham, we develop a faith willing to surrender everything and follow His lead without hesitation.

Prayer
Father, I confess that I often cling to what I know rather than trusting in Your plan. Grant me a heart which is ready to surrender all for You. Help me to make more room for You in my life and to value our connection above all…

Questions
What is God asking you to truly let go of today?
Will you obey, even if it costs you everything?
How do you build trust in God even before you see answers?

Do this now
Think of something you haven’t been able to surrender to God and tell Him today, “Lord, I trust You enough to let it go.”
Make time to intentionally strengthen your relationship with God, for true faith grows from closeness to Him.
Do something in obedience today that you may have been putting off and choose God’s will over your own understanding.