Things Gone Wrong Can Be Testing
Good Reasoning

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:17-18

Key Verse: Hebrews 11:19
Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.

Today’s Scripture Reading reminds us of a test given to Abraham. God was not trying to trip Abraham and watch him fall but He wanted to deepen his ability to obey and thus develop his character.

God had given Abraham Isaac, his long-awaited promised son. Now God asked Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice him on an altar. God did not intend for Abraham to complete this sacrifice, but simply wanted to be clear that Abraham loved God more than any other person or thing in life.

When we read, in detail, about Abraham’s life, we see how much God blessed His beloved child. God was testing Abraham to keep this love flowing both ways!

Testing is never easy and never comes naturally. The tests God allows normally cause doubts about Him to come to our minds. God often uses the devil to perform these tests. Satan has very limited power and no ability to go beyond the lines that God has drawn.

In the last two days we have learned that some tests are about our words and attitudes. Today’s lesson reminds us that some tests are all about our obedience to God. When we feel the Holy Spirt nudge us to do something or to stop some behavior, God is looking for quick obedience.

Tests, indeed, are never fun, but can result in the growth we need in our journey with God!

Father, help me respond to tests with a word of thanksgiving and a quick response of obedience to Your leadership in my life. I ask this in Jesus’s Name, amen.