“And Abraham said, ‘My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together’” (Genesis 22:8, NKJV).
Genesis 22 tells the familiar story of God’s testing of Abraham when He asked him to sacrifice Isaac, his long-awaited son. Abraham and Sarah had waited years for Isaac’s birth and now God was telling him to offer the young man as a sacrifice. Regardless of his faith in God, I’m sure fear and worry tried to fill Abraham’s mind every step of the way. He, Isaac, and the two servants walked at least three days and about fifty miles to reach Mount Moriah. It was as they were nearing the end of their journey that Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham calmly replied, “God will provide.”
Isaac’s Questions
Abraham wasn’t the only one being tested. Isaac must have faced his own questions about what God was doing. After all, the angel of the Lord did not appear until he was tied to the altar—something he could have resisted—and the knife was in his father’s grasp. But, as Abraham had promised, God did provide.
Perhaps you are facing your own Mount Moriah experience. Questions run through your mind, and God is seemingly absent from the mountain. Will He show up in time? That’s the big question that so often stymies us. Yet, God is already on the mountain with us—waiting to step in at the moment that will give us the greatest testimony.
A Matter of Timing
God’s timing often does not match our perception of how things should be, but we must have faith. Hebrews 22:17-19 tells us by faith Abraham knew God was able, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead. Can we trust God that much?
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3, NKJV).
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NKJV).
Prayer: God, You are my Jehovah-jireh, my Provider. Although I know there will be times of testing, I also know that You will be there to supply my need when I cry out to You. You will meet me on my mountain of trial, and You will provide the sacrifice. I know You do all things well and Your promises are sure.
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