Friday, 2nd February 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: THE TRIALS OF YOUR FAITH

THEME SCRIPTURE: “After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am’,” – Genesis 22:1

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What test did God give to Abraham?
2. Why did God had to test Abraham?

 

The writer of the book of James nailed it headon when he wrote, "Count it all joy when you enter into divers trials" (James 1:2). Anytime someone wants to join the military he will have to pass some trials. It is the same with footballers; they justify their inclusion by playing in trials. See, exams are necessary in our academic progression. Similarly, our faith walk is a progressive one. We are to move from strength to strength (Job 17:9; Psalms 84:7) and from glory to glory.

It is important to note that God tests His people to bring the best out of them. But the devil tempts to get us off track.

In the case of Abraham, God said to him, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you” (Gen 22:2). The human aspects of this story are compelling in the extreme. Isaac had been so long promised, so wonderfully born, and so miraculously presented to Abraham in his old age. Isaac is an only son, and this is what God tested Abraham to give Him. Precious one, if you find yourself in a position where you have to choose between God and the one you love, who will it be? It will be a difficult one especially if you love God too. Yet Abraham lived beyond all limitations to pass God's test. Remember this: everyone's faith in God will stand trial, including yours. 

Beloved in Christ, anytime God tests us, it is because of our faith. Anytime God brings you to a place of test, He wants to provide you with a platform to strengthen and also display your faith.

Afterall, faith without works is dead.

Eeveryone of us is given a measure of faith (Rom 12:3). Faith can be little or great (Matt. 6:30) and strong or weak (Rom. 4:19–20). Through tests, faith is strengthened and also given the opportunity to be displayed. Further, God proves us with tests, humbling us in our walk with Him. In the wilderness, God proved the children of Israel, revealing to them that man’s survival is not dependent on bread and butter alone. But by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Deut 8:3).

Abraham passed God’s test, not because it was easy. But because his faith made sense. God had promised Abraham, “Through your son Isaac, your lineage will carry on your name” (Heb 11:18). Yet when God tested Abraham to offer his son (Isaac) as a burnt offering, it meant that God is contradicting Himself or He's up to something. So, Abraham knowing that God cannot lie, accounted that He [God] was able to raise Isaac up from the dead, and symbolically, that’s exactly what happened (Heb 11:19).

Beloved, God will test your faith. However, if you should come to the place of trial, would you be able to recognize it?

What will you do when you come to the place of test? Simple—do what Abraham did. Abraham knew the voice of God. He had no doubt that God was the one instructing Him. Until you are clear with God’s voice, it will be difficult to obey Him. In addition, Abraham submitted himself under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6). In other words, Abraham was ready to comply with God’s word anytime and anywhere, whether it was convenient for him or not. A man of strong faith upholds the word of God above everything. Declare that this year you are a man who is submitted to the word of God, passing all your tests to the glory and praise of the Father. Hallelujah!  

 

FURTHER READING – Hebrews 11:18-19

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Has God spoken to you recently regarding what to do?
2. How swift were you in complying to the word?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Jesus, you’re the author and finisher of my faith. I affirm that my eyes are set on you, and I know that as long as my gaze is on you, I’ll climb mountains that will not move and cross rivers that won’t disappear. Glory to God!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Exodus 7; Exodus 8; Psalm 60; Psalm 61; Romans 12