Faith Test!

For Friday, November 7, 2025:

Hebrews 11:17-18 NLT: “It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.”

Abram, later Abraham, was the patriarch of monotheistic religion. Born about 4K years ago when children were considered a huge blessing from above, Isaac was highly valued by Abraham and Sarah, who were otherwise childless. So directing Abraham to sacrifice Isaac was a huge ask on God’s part.

This is a test of Abraham’s faith. He needed to believe that God’s way is always the right way, that God always wants what’s best for us, and that God has a propensity for making things work out. But Abraham would be forgiven if he hesitated ever so slightly. God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky was to be fulfilled through Isaac. How would that work out if Isaac were sacrificed on an altar?

As the story concludes, another sacrificial animal is discovered nearby, Isaac gets a reprieve, and Abraham passed the faith test. He trusted God. See? Everything worked out for the best! God knows what he’s doing!

Just like Abraham, we all need to learn to trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding, which may be flawed. Having tried it both ways, I can tell you that life goes better with God!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship