James wrote to us, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides." (James 1:2, The Message) I want to embrace that command, but it is hard to do. Who likes hard times, those moments when questions are many and answers few? I am not talking about the 'mini-trials' that are common to life. We need to develop much greater patience when dealing with computers that don't work properly, cars that don't start, traffic that doesn't flow- life's normal headaches. The tests that steal my sleep and that stress me are the ones like the recent hurricane in the Gulf region. How do we reconcile our revelation of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and loving Father God with the scenes of devastation? For four years, since 9/11's tragic events shattered the illusion that we could live in perpetual peace, I have struggled with the stuff of tsunamis, hurricanes, fickle 'friends,' recurring temptations, and such things.
How does one consider Hurricane Katrina a gift? How does one rejoice when those on whom he leans let him fall? How does feel joy when the pull of the flesh is so strong that failure seems imminent? I'm still working that out! I imagine, in one way or the other, you are, too. I read the story of Abraham's journey to Mt. Moriah again yesterday. [Genesis 22, if you would like to read it] In that chapter, God tells him to take his beloved son, Isaac, and to sacrifice him.
I tried to think of the emotions that he felt on the 2 day journey to the site.
Testing can cause us to feel CONFUSION. Don't you think Abraham was more than a little confused by a God who gives him a miracle son and then asks for him back about 12-15 years later?
Testing can cause us to feel DOUBT. "God is that really your Voice? Why would You ask such a terrible thing?" I've wondered that more than once in my life when tested.
Testing can cause us to feel ALONE. That trip across the plains to the hills had to be one of the most lonely ones in Abraham's life. He even left his servant and traveled on with just Isaac. But how do you tell jokes and enjoy the company of a boy you're going to sacrifice tomorrow? But, I've learned that God often ministers to the deepest place in my life when I am feeling most alone and focused most intensely on Him.
Testing can cause us to feel THAT GOD IS UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS. When we feel abandoned by God, it is the most desperate feeling, especially for those who have loved Him intimately. When He asks the 'impossible' of us, we may cry out as His Son did, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" Of course, He hasn't, but it can sure feel like it.
Testing can cause us to feel HOPELESS. Stand with Abraham on the top of that little hill called Moriah. Drag the rocks, one by one, into a heap called an altar, each one becoming heavier as you realize the moment of decision is imminent. Then ,raise the knife! The contents of your stomach rise in your throat. A sorrow beyond description wrenches sobs so violent from your body that you feel like you could die. Where are you, God?
Will you stay steady when the wind blows strong?
Will you obey when your natural self screams to take another way?
Hard questions, aren't they? In those moments, we desperately hold onto the only hope that remains -- "If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:11-13, NLT)
Abraham had known the faithfulness of God through times when he failed. So, he trusted - not in his own righteousness, his own ability to please God - but in the faithfulness of God to keep him. And in this most intense trial, at just the critical moment, God revealed Himself as "Yahweh Yireh, the Lord, my Provider." Remember the story? Just as Abraham was about to take his son's life, he looked up and saw a ram caught in the bushes, a substitute sacrifice provided by God, Himself!
Paul repeats this phrase again and again in his letters to Believers - "Stand firm!"
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV)
"He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in his special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say." (2 Thessalonians 2:14-17, NLT)
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