Devotion for Tuesday May 22, 2018
Topic: Obey,
Even When It Hurts
Text:
Genesis 22:1 – 14
Abraham, through the years, learned many tough
lessons about the importance of obeying God. These were when he was called out
of Ur, when he went to Egypt, and when he had to wait for Isaac’s birth.
Initially, Abraham did not always show that he trusted or believed God; but
through each test, he saw God’s willingness and ability to keep His promises.
That is why God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) at an altar
as a burnt sacrifice. That is the greatest gift one can offer. God did not want
Isaac to die, but he wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so that he
could learn to trust God completely (see Hebrews 11:19). Imagine what Abraham
must have felt as he walked with Isaac up the mountain, each step being
torturous and leading him painfully closer to unspeakable grief. However
Abraham obeyed, giving his son at his own hurt and God honoured his faith. Obeying
God may often be a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we
truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come
naturally. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us
through difficult circumstances. When tested, we can complain or we can obey,
trusting God as we try to see what He is teaching us. Trust and Obey is the
best way to be happy. Is God testing your faith? Then sing SS&S 642
Action: As you go out, be
determined to obey God even if it will hurt you.
Memory
verse: Genesis
22:9
Prayer: God, grant me the grant me the grace to obey
you in everything even when it hurts because there is a reward at the end.
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