Faith is Tested

Imagine you are sitting in class when the teacher asks everyone to sit in their seats and then walks around with a pop quiz. Your heart begins to race, and just like that, you are submerged in a trial. Trials are unpleasant, but a life without them would leave no room for endurance, growth, and dependence. Abraham faced many trials throughout his life, but nothing compared to the test he experienced when God asked him to sacrifice his only son. On the surface, it might seem crazy for God to demand such a thing from Abraham, but this beautiful story reveals a wealth of understanding about what God is doing with those who love and depend on Him. A trial can either break a person or make them stronger than ever. The difference between someone who lives apart from God and someone who loves Him is significant. While the former may lean into whatever they can to alleviate their struggles, the latter will lean further into God, counting the trial as joy because they know God is doing a powerful work in their lives. Abraham obeyed God because he trusted His guidance and knew that God was faithful to His promises. This week, we learn a valuable truth: God tests those who belong to Him to draw them closer to Him in faith, thereby building endurance in our lives.