4/14/17
Jane Black
Genesis 22:1-14
As a parent and a grandparent, I cannot imagine how Abraham felt when God told him to offer his only son as a burnt offering. However, God never intended to have Abraham give up his son; He was using this command as a test of Abraham’s faith.
Just as God tested Abraham, He places people and situations in our lives to test our faith in Him. When we go through hard times, do we try to handle it all on our own? Do we call on our heavenly Father for strength and guidance? Sometimes our tests—our difficult decisions, situations, or people—can seem overwhelming, but God wants us to cry out to Him. When we cry out to Him, listen for His direction, and follow His plan, our hearts come closer to Him. Our faith and Christian character become stronger, and we are empowered to help others who might be going through similar situations.
God loves each of us and is with us, even when we think our situation—our test—seems hopeless.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for strength and faith. When I am faced with difficult situations, help me follow your direction and remember that you always have a perfect plan. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Thought for the Day: God is with us, even when we think our situation is hopeless.