Expect Tests from God (Gen. 22:1-2)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 10-02-2006

 

My Worship Time                                                           Focus:  Expect Tests From God

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  Genesis 22:1-2

 

            Message of the verse:  “1 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, ‘Here I am.’  2 He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.’

           

            As Abraham grew more mature in his faith in the Lord, God sent him another test, which is the greatest test that he would ever face, and that is to offer his only son as a burnt offering to the Lord on MT. Moriah.

           

            As one looks at this test that Abraham was to face there are similarities to when God the Father was to offer His only Son on the cross for the sins of the world, however I want to look at this as a test of Abraham and learn from it for my own life, and learn what God would have me to learn for my life.

           

            I am to expect tests from the Lord, and there is a huge difference between tests and temptations, for God tests to make me better, while the devil tempts to make me worse.  There are some differences between tests and temptations.  Temptations come from the desires within us (James 1:12-16).  “12  Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.”  Sometimes my own disobedience causes the pain or disappointment, as when Abraham went to Egypt (Gen. 12:10ff) and to Gear (Gen. 20).  Sometimes my hurts are simply a part of normal human life:  As I grow older, friends and loved ones relocate or even die, life changes around us, and we must make painful adjustments.

           

            Temptations come from my own desires within, while trials come from the Lord who has a special purpose to fulfill.  Temptations are used by the devil to bring out the worst in me, but trials are used by the Holy Spirit to bring out the best in me.  Temptations seem logical while trials seem very unreasonable.  Why would God give Abraham a son and then ask Abraham to kill him?

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  To learn between the temptations of life, which are there to harm me, and the tests of life, which are there to make me grow in my faith.  Pray over decisions that have to be made, and trust the Lord to give me His direction (Pr. 3:5-6).  Pray about things with my wife so that we can get each others input.

 

The Word of God has been a very big challenge to my heart as I read and studied it this morning.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  Trust the Lord to direct my path, and trust the Lord to continue to teach me contentment.