DAY 10: LORD, I WORSHIP YOU THROUGH THE TEST
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Aug. 26th, 2023
17 “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” – Hebrews 11:17-19
DEVOTION
The first time the word worship is used in the Bible was when Abraham was faced with his biggest test (Gen. 22:5). For years, Abraham and Sarah believed God would bless them with a child. Not only did they desire a baby, but God promised He would multiply their family greatly (Gen. 15:5-6). Finally, God blessed them with Isaac after all the years of waiting. Abraham and Sarah loved Isaac, their one and only son. Can you imagine the joy they felt, even in their old age, now getting to raise their growing boy?
And then came the test.
God tested Abraham by commanding him to take his only son and give him back to the Lord as a burnt offering (Gen. 22:1-2). As a father of four sons, I can only imagine the sadness, pain, and faith that must have been at work in Abraham’s heart. I mention “faith” because Hebrews 11 takes us into Abraham’s mindset. “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead…” (Heb. 11:19a).
What an incredible amount of faith Abraham possessed. He believed that even if he slayed his son, God was able to raise him back to life. Perhaps this was why Abraham marched up that mountain without arguing with God or fretting. He didn’t ask why. Nor did he hesitate for an instant. Instead, the text tells us he came to worship that day. He had expectant faith that God would do what only He could–save the day. And that He did.
Is there a difficult circumstance in your life with which God may be testing your faith? This could be a moment to lean in and learn to worship him by faith–trusting He is already on the other side of it, and He will come through.
2 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2–4
PRAYER
Father, I pray today You will help me in whatever test I encounter. Help me to be sure of Your Word and confident in Your provision. Help me to discern Your voice over the world and even my own. Teach me to worship, even through the tests. I believe You are able. In Jesus’ name, amen!
