Genesis 22:1 – “Some time after these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” Abraham replied.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, I was challenged deep in my spirit about “mindset” or, more specifically, how we view everything.

As I read the story of Abraham in Genesis, my hope expanded.   Knowing that although God uses particular people for specific tasks, He exhibits no partiality.   God has no favorite children.   Some exhibit the attitude that they are more special than others, but what He does for one, He is willing and able to do for all.

After God gave Abraham the miracle son when old Abe was 100, God challenged him beyond belief.   Genesis 22:1 – “Some time after these things God Tested Abraham.”   The test was not a small challenge but a monumental, life-altering challenge.  The challenge: sacrifice your son! Sounds contradictory to the revealed heart and nature of God, right?

Abraham had the covenant promise that through his descendants a multitude would come!  Through his offspring, the entire planet would be blessed. Now, God asks or directs him to take that link (Isaac), the miracle child, and kill him as a burnt offering.  The Bible calls that a test!  To the flesh, that would be a nightmare.

Abraham’s response was immediate obedience.  Notice verse 3. “Early in the morning, Abraham got up and saddled his donkey.”   Immediately, without question or hesitation, he began the process of obeying.

That screams Total Trust!   

• No wonder we read that Abraham is the father of faith.  
• No wonder we read that Abraham staggered not at the promise.
• No wonder we read that Abraham believed God, and God credited it to him as righteousness.   His mindset was unshakable confidence in God!

Out of that act of obedience flows all we now know and experience. Out of that example, we should be inspired to trust God completely and obey Him explicitly.   When Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac, God’s faithfulness is impossible to miss.   The servant began praying at the well for a sign.   In Genesis 24:15, we read, “Before he had finished praying, there came Rebecca (the answer).” She did not start toward the well because of his prayer; before he prayed, she was already on her way.  Remember, before we pray, He answers.

This is the God Abraham trusted. This is the God we serve. This is the God who created all things.  Therefore, our requests are small compared to all He has done for all time.   Why do we find it so difficult to trust completely?

We are like the church praying for Peter in Acts 12.   They prayed earnestly and fervently but not expectantly.  Read the account.  They were shocked that their prayers had been answered. They should have been shocked if they weren’t!

What is our mindset?  How do we view God, ourselves, and life?  The urge I sense is to surrender my imagination and hope to God!  If I trust Him with my eternal soul, why is it hard to trust Him with my life?  It is mindset.  It is relinquishing control. It is trust.

Lord, I repent of my lack of trust. That lack of trust screams that I, in some way, question Your character. Please forgive me!  Let’s surrender our All to Him. He never fails.