What does faith look like to you?

Abraham is known as the father of our faith and with good reason.  It’s hard to understand why but God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac…and Abraham was willing to obey.

He got up the next morning, gathered his son, servants and supplies, and proceeded on the journey to offer the ultimate sacrifice.

I wonder if the servants knew what was going on at this point.  They traveled for 3 days along with Abraham and Isaac. Did he tell them?  We quickly realize that Isaac didn’t know because he asks Abraham about the lamb for the sacrifice.  

Once they arrive at Moriah, Abraham said to his servants… “Settle down and stay here with the donkey; the young man and I will go over there and worship [God], and WE will come back to you.” ‘  GENESIS 22:5 (AMP)

Abraham’s responds to his son…“My son, God will provide for Himself a lamb for the burnt offering.” So the two walked on together.’  GENESIS 22:8 (AMP)

But Abraham…why are you saying “WE will come back to you”?  You know what you are about to do.  And what do you mean “God will provide for Himself”...don’t you already have the sacrifice right there with you?

There are times in our lives when it looks like what God promised us is in jeopardy.  That what He told us would happen…won’t happen. Even if we are doing everything He asked us to do.

We often think of Abraham’s faith in that moment on the mountain when he laid Isaac down on the altar…but we see it on the journey as well. Abraham trusted God enough to carry out the plan but he also trusted God enough to hold on to the promise.   

We may not always understand why God does what He does. We won’t always know how things are going are going to work out.  Thankfully though, we can trust that the same God Who made the promise has a perfect plan.

If you don’t know the end of the story, there is good news.  God provided a sacrifice for the burnt offering, Abraham went back home with Isaac…and God’s promise was fulfilled.

Faith to obey. Faith for the journey.  Faith to stand on the promise.

That’s the kind of faith I want.  ~Anu