“I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Genesis 22:17–18

Abraham has just passed an incredibly difficult test of his trust in God: being asked to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1–2). Abraham's willingness to obey is based on his prior experiences, which have always shown that God will be proven righteous in the end. Even when human perspectives fall short, God knows what He is doing. The central focus of God’s words to Abraham in this passage is on the way in which Abraham’s actions are a vindication of his faith. Abraham’s obedience is a gateway into the blessings God Himself promises to give. This passage illuminates the plenty that comes with obedience to God’s voice.

Obedience often requires a surrender of our desire to know all the details of a situation, or an agreement to allow God to take control, rather than striving to figure everything out ourselves. These leaps of faith, guided by God’s voice, are tests of faith and, as Abraham saw, always rewarded. Those rewards may not come in the timing or manner that we expect but we know that we serve a God who has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Plans to give us a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) We can therefore obey with confidence that He is working out all things for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

Ponder:
Where is God calling you into a leap of faith right now? If there isn’t an active test right now, where have you seen Him do this in the past? How has His goodness been evident through your life? If you are still waiting to see it, consider praying about that situation right now.

Prayer
Lord, thank You that You are for me and not against me. Thank You that when I obey, I can do so with confidence that You will work all things out for my good. Even if I don't see it right now, I know that You are good and You do not change. In all circumstances, help me to obey.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.