JAN 27, 2020
Bible Reading: Genesis 22:1-13
Memory Verse:Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you. Genesis 22:2 (NLT)
Should a school teacher schedule a test, many of her students won’t be happy. But, without such tests, no one gets promoted. The school system tests to determine the level of understanding of the students, but life tests us to proof the strength, genuineness and authenticity of our faith in God. Test could come in the form of temptations, trials, and persecution. Many times, unlike the school system, such tests come without prior notice. They come suddenly. The beauty of gold can only be made known until it passes through fire. Similarly, the profession of our faith can only be said to be genuine when we pass through such tests successfully.
Unlike popular opinion, not all “negative circumstances” are ordained by the devil. Sometimes, God calls for such, too. At other times, Man call for such tests, too.
There are three main sources of test:
1.God: God does not tempt His children but surely, He tests them. God tested Abraham when He told him to leave his father’s land to a place where He will show Him. He was to leave “the known” for “the unknown”. That’s a test of obedience. That’s a test of faith. In Genesis 22:1-2, God tested Abraham again when he asked him to to sacrifice Isaac at Mount Moriah. Many of us would have disobeyed saying: When God knows that He will eventually take the child from me then, why did He give me?
Sometimes ago, God promoted a Christian brother in his place of work after serious spiritual warfare. Five months later, this same God told him to resign from the job and serve Him fully as a levite. To the layman, that’s insane, but that’s God for you! When such happens, believe me beloved, God has a better blessing. You can’t follow God with head knowledge or the knowledge of what you knew of Him yesterday. God initiates tests in order to confirm, authenticate and validate His purposes for our lives. He does this as an evidence. He tests us in order to entrust us.
He wants to be sure that His many blessings to us have not suddenly become an idol in our lives, as He did unto Abraham. Many of us will have to lay down our Isaac (our most treasured asset) before God can ever take us to our next level. Friends, when God wants to trust a man with something bigger, better and greater, He tests his faith to show all heavenly host that He is not partial. He wants to proof you. No wonder after He tested Abraham successfully, He vowed that in blessings He will bless him. God’s promises may not become covenants until Man have successfully passed some tests.
Quote: God tests us in order to entrust something bigger and better to us.
Prophetic Decree: You will not fail the test of God, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Loving Father we thank you, how great thou art in all the earth.
2. Any idol in my heart working against my full commitment unto the Lord, be rooted out, in Jesus name.
3. Self, lust, and worldliness shall not deprive me of the best of God for my life, in Jesus name.
4. I come against every lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life in my life, in Jesus name.
5. Holy Spirit please help me to pass my test in the school of the Almighty, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 43-45