In Geneses chapter 22 we see the story of Abraham, where he willingly puts his son on the alter as a sacrifice unto God. Abraham's faith and obedience is being tested by God and he passes with an A +.
There are two questions we need to ask ourselves.
1) Have you heard from the Lord?
2) Have you stepped out in faith and obeyed the Lord, even if it may cost you greatly?
There are several lessons that can be drawn from this story.
1) We must hear from the Lord.
2) We must put God first above family, and everything else. We must be willing to lay down our dreams and hopes, if asked to by God.
3) We must obey the Lord, and it may require great sacrifice. Obedience is always the result of faith. Faith without action is not faith at all. Also, faith is always based or rooted in the Word of the Lord.
4) Abraham believed (hoped) God was going to provide the lamb, but willing to slay his son, even if God did not come through for him.
5) When God provided a lamb for the sacrifice, minutes before he was going to kill his only son, the promised son, Abraham declared, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided".
6) When God asks us to do something, He always makes provision. We find this provision as we are on the mountain of the Lord, in His presence.
Finally, it is not about the sacrifice. It is about faith walked out in obedience. Do not boast in your great sacrifice, nor put your self down because your sacrifice pales next to the other persons. All God looks at is your faith and obedience to His Holy Spirit and His Word. God rejoices over every step of faith, great or small. He rewards those who live this way.
