I am reading the Bible chronologically again this year with some of my friends. We are reading a different version than Karen and the girls, so it may not make sense. I want to share what stood out to me this time around.
I love how the LORD said to Abraham in Genesis 17:14, "Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son." There is nothing too hard for Him. He can do anything He wants and He will. I love how we can trust Him. He won't play any games with us. He is a man of His Word. That's so hard to imagine when we are surrounded by people who don't. What kind of world would it be if everyone said what they meant?
On the other hand...
"When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son." (Genesis 22:9-10) After reading those details I just couldn't imagine I would be able to sacrifice one of my kids even for God. I couldn't do it! I tried to imagine myself bounding one of mine. I'd be out of my mind! I just couldn't do what Abraham did. I must not be sold out to Him. I am just being honest. When tested, he proved he would do anything the LORD asked. Thank God you probably already know how the story continues. In verse 12 He said, "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." I wonder if I will ever trust God with my life that much? Sacrifice Meghan or John for God? I just don't think so! I'd rather die! His faith in God still amazes me. All I can say today is I'm glad He hasn't asked me to do anything so difficult. I cannot fathom the idea. No way!
So, I want to be able to trust Him, yet He can't trust me to do what He asks? Hmmm...I just realized something. My relationship with God is exactly the same as my relationships with people in my life. I can't expect something from others that I'm not willing to do myself. Lord, forgive me for being such a taker! I pray one day I'll be completely sold out for Him! I'm glad He still loves me while I try to work this out! I love my kids more today. Go hug yours if you can! Have a good week!
Love,
Angie xoxo
7 comments:
Ang, I love your heart! God gives us the strength, power, whatever it takes to do what He asks no matter how hard and loves us dearly all the way through. I have had to do some really hard things and know it was all because of Him that I was able to get through them.
as we grow in Him, He grows the strengths in us...taking us out of our comfort zones many times over...
I'm thinking of giving the Reese Chronological Bible to my DH for his birthday...is it the one you are using for your study?
Angie, you are honest and that is exactly what the Lord has called you to be. Funny your response was that you would rather die than allow one of your own to die. I think that is what I might say to God also, (Take me instead Lord) Abraham was faced with the most difficult decision any parent would ever have to make and yet he trusted the Lord.
This also made me think of the book, The Shack. If you have not read it, please do. It is so full of imagery and light. The characters will touch your heart in a new way.
we think we are trusting Him, and we do...up to a point. Then 'self' takes back over. We should be able to trust Him completely...all the time. I think it is a continuing struggle. I pray that I will do better.
I don't know that full surrender except maybe once in my life. I know that's the place of peace where Christ dwells as Lord in my heart. Honesty is what this journey is about and truth. Love your heart, my friend. Annette
Great post, sweet friend. And those kids are lovely. I love to see the younger pics juxtaposed with the current ones.
Angie--
It's so nice to meet you!!! Your family is gorgeous!
What translations is everyone reading? I'm reading NLT this year and have always read NIV my whole life...when verses, in the NIV, stood out, I'd cross reference with other translations but I am finding that different verses stand out when reading the whole Bible in a different translation...make sense?
As I read those details about Abraham what struck me was that Isaac probably could've overpowered his 100+ year old father and run for his life. But he didn't. He laid there in submission to both his earthly father and heavenly One. Abraham must've lived such a life full of the fear of the Lord that Isaac could fully trust in God's goodness and plan to submit in obedience. I pray that's the type of parent I'd be and that's the type of children mine would become. I so want mine to know their destiny in Him like Isaac did.
Blessings to you!
Lisa
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