Genesis 22:1-2 (NIV) says:

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

When did God test Abraham? “Some time later”.

The testing of God never comes when you expect it to. But it does come.

After the highs of victory and the beauty of the journey through life, just when you don’t expect it, “some time later” the testing of the Lord will come.

“Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied

What does God first call? He calls Abraham by name.

The testing of God always begins with self. God wants your life FIRST and giving our life wholeheartedly to God is what is required to be a follower of Jesus. That is why Jesus says “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Before God tests any other part of your life, first He will test the core of your affections, desires and loyalty. Why? Because He knows, if He doesn’t have ALL of you, He really doesn’t have anything of you.

“Then God said”

Once God has established your obedience and willingness to wholeheartedly follow Him, you are ready for the next test. The challenge is one that never ends, your maturing.

Call it your education, your growth, your process of change – as a Christian disciple, you can expect it. This side of eternity God is never satisfied with you, nor is His love for you so shallow, as to not continually use situations, circumstance, problems and people to shape, mould and mature you more and more into the image of His son.

PRAYER: Lord, I give you my life. It’s yours Lord. I say ‘Here I am I’m yours’. Shape me, mould me, make me more and more like Jesus. I know your way is the best way for my life and I choose it Lord. I trust you and I love you, Amen.