He Will Provide
Posted by Karah
Pause
Reflect on a time when God asked you to do something that was out of your comfort zone. What did that experience teach you?
As you read Genesis 22:4-19 today, picture the scene and imagine the emotions. With every step, Abraham knew that the time of sacrifice was drawing nearer. Imagine how much strength it took for Abraham to lift the knife over his son’s body. Abraham loved his son, but his faithfulness to God was greater.
“Then He said, ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me.’ Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: ‘It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.'” —Genesis 22:12-14
Ask yourself:
What does this story teach you about what it means to be faithful to God? Do you have that kind of faithfulness? Why or why not?
What does this story teach you about God’s faithfulness? Why is it important that God was the one who provided the ram to sacrifice? Explain.
What sacrifices have you made in order to remain faithful to God?
The Point
God called for a sacrifice, but provided it Himself.
Respond
Being faithful to God will cost you. It may cost you relationships, friends, and influence. You will be forced to choose between the temptations of this world or faithfulness to God.
Take a moment to consider your personal boundaries. Do they conform to Scripture? Are you willing to make sacrifices to honor God’s faithfulness? Why or why not?
Pray about your willingness (or unwillingness) to sacrifice things in your life that do not honor God or keep you from being faithful to His calling on your life. Confess and repent, if you feel led. Don’t just go through the motions.
Behind the Story
Throughout the Old Testament, God revealed various names which described a certain characteristic of God. In Genesis 22:14, Abraham revealed one of God’s most beloved names, Jehovah Jireh, which means the Lord will provide. How has God been your Provider lately? Take some time to praise Him for that.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions