ICS Daily Devotions
What Makes Us Grow
Genesis 22:2 (NKJV) Then He said, “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.”
God was testing the heart of Abraham by asking him to offer up Isaac on the mount of Moriah. Isaac was deeply loved by Abraham because he is the son of his old age, the son who was promised to him and Sarah. Did you know that anything can be an idol in our lives even if it is given to us by God? It could be our career, possession, hobby—something or someone that is very dear to us. The wonderful news is that God may return to us what we hold dear to our hearts once we have passed the test, because that something or someone will no longer be an idol in our lives, just like God supplied a ram to be offered instead when Abraham was willing to give Isaac up to Him.
For example, there are people who have been called by the Lord to attend seminary when they were at the pinnacle of their careers. It might be a test of whether they are willing to give up their job, creature comfort, career advancement, stability of income, and trust in God for provision and control over their lives. It is when they are faced with such a choice that they realise what they really trust in. Some will fail the test while others will choose to surrender and obey. Sometimes, God may release such people back to the marketplace, so was it a waste of time for them to have gone to seminary? No, their obedience was the best investment they could have possibly made in their lives which will last for eternity! If there is something that you have held onto dearly that God wants you to give up, He is dealing with you regarding whether you will consecrate your life.
James 1:2-3 (NKJV) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
A trial can come as a form of persecution of our faith either by people or adverse situations when we are made to stand up for our faith, like Daniel and his friends who were put to the test to bow down to an image. Likewise, we will be put to the test when we are made to stand up for our faith, values and principles in the marketplace today. The wonderful thing is that we can seek God’s wisdom regarding how to handle the situation and God’s grace will be able to sustain us, because it is in our weakness that His grace is fully manifested.
Sermon Series: Friends (Part 2) – Facing Test, Trials and Tribulation with Our Friends
