American "Idol" (Part Four)

photo © 2008 Pen Waggener | more info (via: Wylio)
Genesis 22:4-5 says, "On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”


For those of us who battle to trust God, whether with our children, work, finances, or relationships, this passage demonstrates how strong our faith in God can be when we choose to trust him. 


Abraham kept going -- right on up that mountain -- Isaac in tow. No worry. No fear. He says, "We will worship and then we will come back to you." Abraham's confidence in God's provision was absolute! He didn't send the servants off to search for a ram -- to help God out. He didn't bring a servant along to take Isaac's place, just in case.


How different Abraham's actions were compared to those of us who doubt.

On date night, we hire a sitter, but then check in 20 times just to make sure the kids are okay. We skip out on the tithe to have money for emergencies. We install security alarms on the doors -- and deadbolts -- and flood lights. And still, we're scared of the dark.

Abraham trusted. Absolutely. Completely. We can too.

It comes back to the choice I talked about in the last post: Walk alone in fear or walk confidently in Christ.

If you struggle to trust God with some part of your life, what's holding you back? What can you do that God can't do? I'm not being smart. I'm asking seriously. If you're afraid of something -- is it too big for God?

Consider the same question Abraham did, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14). Ready for the "funny coincidence?" Abraham and Sarah were asked this question BY GOD when they got the news that they would one day have their son, Isaac. See? God tested Abraham's trust for the birth of his son. Abraham grew closer to God through that experience. When it finally came time to trust God with the "sacrifice" of Isaac, Abraham had already learned that God is trustworthy.

If you struggle to trust, look back. When has God shown himself trustworthy to you before. Go ahead, make a list. Thank Him for every provision he has ever given: a friend when you were crying, unexpected funds when your checkbook was empty, a kind word when you were hurting... What is it? What has he done for you already?

When you finish your list, thank God for all he has done. Then ask him to help you trust him more. With everything.

To continue reading this series, go to American Idol (Part Five).