TEST OF FAITH

“Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." …Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Gen 22:1-18

God was very specific when he made reference to Isaac as "your son", "your only son", and moreover "whom you love" (Gen 22:2) God knew that Isaac was the most important person in Abraham's life. The Lord tests us through the people and situations that really matter to us, otherwise it would not be a test.

There are no indications in the Scriptures that Abraham complained or had doubts about what God had commanded him to do, however it must have been a very difficult time sacrificing the hope Isaac represented for him. (Gen 22:3-6)

Sometimes God does not reveal the "why" until the "what" is done and even the "how" is uncertain. Once we discern what God's will is and follow it, its purpose will be progressively brought to light. Walking by faith is one of the most challenging aspects of our Christian lives. (Gen 22:7-8)

Immediately after passing a test of faith God will bless you with much more that you had before, and the best part of it is that your beloved ones and others around you will enjoy it even more abundantly.(Gen 22:11-18)

We do not know how many times God will test us, but surely it will be nothing that we cannot overcome in harmony with Him.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” James 1:2-4