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Where is Your Treasure?
27/06/10 15:58 Filed in: devotional
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 (NIV)
Say the word “test” and most people cringe–especially me! That’s because tests bring undue stress and pressure that I’d rather live without. Nonetheless, tests have many purposes. They analyze our intelligence or skill; determine what we have learned, and reveal who we are. However, there are spiritual tests as well. They often try our faith and commitment to God.
Remember the story of Abraham and his son, Isaac, in Genesis 22? Through Isaac God was going to build a nation! Can you imagine the pride Abraham must have had for his son? Abraham knew God had great plans for his son. What on earth could go wrong—especially with a promised child?
You and I both know a lot can go wrong. We have all stood in Abraham’s sandals once or twice in our life, and like Abraham, we’ve clung to the promises of God. Yet, sickness lingers, financial troubles come, and friends and love ones betray us. How do we respond?
Abraham responded with great love, trust, and commitment when God asked for his only son to be sacrificed. I don’t think it was easy for him. Just because you and I know the outcome of the story doesn’t mean Abraham did. He had to trust God every step of the way. Abraham’s mind must have been plagued with thoughts such as, “This doesn’t make sense, Lord.” “You promised, Lord.” “Help me, Lord.”
Determined to obey God no matter the cost, Abraham prepared to take his son’s life. In that moment, and just in time, God called from heaven and released both the child and Abraham from the test. It was only a test. God never wanted the death of Isaac. He wanted the surrendered heart of Abraham. Just as God planned, the test revealed Abraham’s undying love and commitment to God.
Unfortunately, this is an area God will always test you and me. More than anything God wants our whole and committed hearts. As painful as some tests are, God is using them to grow us into all He has designed us to be. When our trials don’t make sense, we can trust God. He has promised to set limits on our trials—to walk with us in the midst of them, and to bring forth good.
The question for you and me today is this. When God doesn’t behave like we think He should, when it seems like He has turned the other way and broken every promise, will we still love and trust Him?
When your loved one dies, will we still love Him? When the job interview falls flat, will we still love Him? My heart cries out, LOUDLY - yes, Lord I love and trust YOU!
Say the word “test” and most people cringe–especially me! That’s because tests bring undue stress and pressure that I’d rather live without. Nonetheless, tests have many purposes. They analyze our intelligence or skill; determine what we have learned, and reveal who we are. However, there are spiritual tests as well. They often try our faith and commitment to God.
Remember the story of Abraham and his son, Isaac, in Genesis 22? Through Isaac God was going to build a nation! Can you imagine the pride Abraham must have had for his son? Abraham knew God had great plans for his son. What on earth could go wrong—especially with a promised child?
You and I both know a lot can go wrong. We have all stood in Abraham’s sandals once or twice in our life, and like Abraham, we’ve clung to the promises of God. Yet, sickness lingers, financial troubles come, and friends and love ones betray us. How do we respond?
Abraham responded with great love, trust, and commitment when God asked for his only son to be sacrificed. I don’t think it was easy for him. Just because you and I know the outcome of the story doesn’t mean Abraham did. He had to trust God every step of the way. Abraham’s mind must have been plagued with thoughts such as, “This doesn’t make sense, Lord.” “You promised, Lord.” “Help me, Lord.”
Determined to obey God no matter the cost, Abraham prepared to take his son’s life. In that moment, and just in time, God called from heaven and released both the child and Abraham from the test. It was only a test. God never wanted the death of Isaac. He wanted the surrendered heart of Abraham. Just as God planned, the test revealed Abraham’s undying love and commitment to God.
Unfortunately, this is an area God will always test you and me. More than anything God wants our whole and committed hearts. As painful as some tests are, God is using them to grow us into all He has designed us to be. When our trials don’t make sense, we can trust God. He has promised to set limits on our trials—to walk with us in the midst of them, and to bring forth good.
The question for you and me today is this. When God doesn’t behave like we think He should, when it seems like He has turned the other way and broken every promise, will we still love and trust Him?
When your loved one dies, will we still love Him? When the job interview falls flat, will we still love Him? My heart cries out, LOUDLY - yes, Lord I love and trust YOU!
Michelle
