FBCHS-Bible Study " A Test of Faith"

A Test of Faith

Genesis 22:1-19  

Genesis doesn’t reveal exactly how much time has passed since Isaac’s birth. It’s clear, however, that having just sent Ishmael into the wilderness, Abraham is now being asked to give up Isaac as well. This is a profound test of his faith in what God has promised to him, especially considering that child sacrifice doesn’t seem to have been a normal part of his culture. Abraham’s comment to Isaac suggests that he still trusts God to fulfill his promise somehow.

God’s proving does not mean that He stands by, watching how His child will behave. He helps us to sustain the trial to which He subjects us. Life is all probation; and because it is so, it is all the field for the divine aid. The motive of His proving men is that they may be strengthened. He puts us into His gymnasium to improve our physique. If we stand the trial, our faith is increased; if we fall, we learn self-distrust and closer clinging to Him. No objection can be raised to the representation of this passage as to God’s proving Abraham.