Trusting the Promiser
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Title: Trusting God When You Can't See the Way – A Lesson from Abraham's Test
Introduction: A Fresh Start with Faith in Focus
As we step into the new year, January often brings reflections and resolutions. But beyond goal-setting, this time is an invitation to cultivate fresh faith and higher expectations for what God can do in our lives. What if this is the year you grow closer to God, experience new breakthroughs, or finally say "yes" to His call?
Regardless of what last year held—whether joy or hardship—the truth remains: with God, there’s always more than meets the eye. This new series explores how to trust in what we cannot see, starting with the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22.
A Call to Faith – Abraham’s Response
In Genesis 22, Abraham hears God's call, and his response is simple yet profound: "Here I am." God commands him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, the son Abraham had waited for his entire life. Despite the weight of this test, Abraham listens and obeys, choosing to trust the Promiser over the promise.
How often do we resist God’s voice out of fear or doubt? Imagine if 2025 was marked by a willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord,” trusting His plan even when it seems unclear.
Choosing Faith Over Fear
Abraham’s faith is tested as he journeys up the mountain with Isaac, wood in hand but no lamb for the sacrifice. Isaac asks, "Where is the lamb?" and Abraham responds, "God will provide." This moment highlights Abraham’s decision to focus not on the visible challenge but on the unseen provision of God.
Like Abraham, we often face situations where the facts don’t add up. Yet, God calls us to trust Him beyond what we see. In your own life, where is God inviting you to have faith beyond the facts?
God’s Provision at the Right Time
At the climax of Abraham’s test, as he raises the knife, God intervenes and provides a ram caught in the thicket. This moment not only spares Isaac but reveals God as Jehovah Jireh—the Lord who provides. Abraham names the place after God’s faithfulness, underscoring that God's provision often comes at the last moment, unseen until it’s needed.
In seasons of waiting or hardship, God’s timing may seem delayed, but His provision is always perfect. When we trust the Promiser, we position ourselves to witness His hand at work.
Lessons of Faith for the Future
Abraham’s test wasn’t just for his benefit—it shaped generations to come. His obedience became the foundation for God’s promise to multiply his descendants. Similarly, the seeds of faith we plant today often bear fruit that others will harvest.
Consider this: the fruit of an apple tree isn’t for the tree itself but for those who come after. The faith you cultivate now may bless future generations in ways you can’t yet see.
A Reflection of Christ’s Sacrifice
Abraham’s story ultimately points to Jesus. Just as Isaac carried wood up the mountain, Jesus carried His cross. On that same mountain range, God’s only Son was sacrificed, but this time there was no ram to take His place. Jesus became the final sacrifice, fulfilling God’s promise of salvation for all.
Through His death and resurrection, we receive the ultimate provision—eternal life. This story invites us to trust in God’s unseen work, knowing that even when the path seems uncertain, His plans are unfolding for our good.
Conclusion: Faith Beyond Sight in the New Year
As you enter this new year, let your focus shift from what you see to what you believe. Trust that God is working beneath the surface, orchestrating things beyond your understanding.
If you find yourself in a season of testing, know that your faith is being both revealed and strengthened. This year can be one where you walk with greater faith, declaring that even when you can’t see the way, God is still at work—because with Him, there’s always more than meets the eye.