Sometime later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. The God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love- Isaac- and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”- Genesis 22:1-2
Mark Batterson observes in Chapter 5 (“This is Only a Test”) of All In that “biblical stories that cause the most cognitive dissonance to our logical minds often contain the greatest revelations.” To our finite, human minds, the story of God calling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac seems incomprehensible and unconscionable. But God is not on trial here, nor is it His character that is in question.
It is our character that is on the stand. Pastor Batterson emphasizes that God tests us so that we may have a testimony. No test= no testimony. The comfortable confines of a seminary or(teacher’s) college classroom won’t give us a testimony. We get a testimony when we’re in the wilderness like Moses, walking on the Sea of Galilee like Peter, or on a mountain like Abraham.
Pastor Batterson asserts that God tests us for two primary reasons:
1. It’s an opportunity for God to prove Himself to us.
2. It’s an opportunity to prove ourselves to God.
The author adds that until we exercise our faith God cannot reveal His faithfulness. Long before creation, God anticipated and provided for everything we need. We just need to give Him the opportunity to prove His faithfulness.
Today’s question: How have you put God on trial following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Dreams reborn”
Special Note: On August 7, 2014, Crown of Compassion hosted its 100,000th visitor since the site went live in October of 2011. All praise to God!
