Have you ever longed for something? I mean, really, really wanted something so badly and felt like God had put you on a journey to get it only to see it slip away. I have done this on several occasions.
Once, in a points battle, in reality the only year I have ever ran a full points season. I was locked in a battle with a one point lead in first place. It was the first time I had ever had the opportunity to actually make every points race for an entire race season. Usually due to camps, graduations and other things I was unable to run a full season, thereby giving up any chance at a championship. This year was to be different, until a Saturday in mid July, we got a lot of rain and the race was called. They announced that since it had rained out they would race 2 weeks from then which was to be an off week. That was the week we left for camp with the youth group. I was devastated, how did I end up with this carrot dangling in front of me. My strongest shot at winning a championship gone, my great season washed away right in front of my eyes. I prayed long and hard about what to do. I knew what I should do, go to camp and erase all thoughts of racing, but my selfishness led me to prayer and still God pointed me towards camp. We went to camp and just as a thought Friday night I checked the Orlando forecast and sure enough 20% chance of rain. THere goes my season, then I get home a week later having almost forgotten about racing, and having had an awesome experience with a great group of teenagers at camp in God's complete presence, and I find out the race got rained out again. I was back on top, and no one will ever convince me that it was anything other than my faithfulness to God's ministry that brought that rain. I went on to win that championship and proudly represent Orlando Speedworld in teh Race of Champions that year. But, more importantly I chose God and His calling on my life over my wants and it made both much more valuable to me.
Genesis 22:10 "Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son"
Isaac was a blessing to Abraham because he was a promised son. A long awaited son, and now GOd had asked Abraham to sacrifice him. Now, I will admit my championship that I won because of faithfulness to God pales by far in comparison to Abraham's trial and test that he passed. But it is the same premise, God wants us to cherish his gifts to us, but not as much as He wants us to cherish Him. The moment something takes the place of your routine with God, you are risking idolatry. And idolatry is a sin that leads you down the road to many things, and rarely ends in a strengthened relationship with God.
So when God tests you, stand up, take it and be thankful that you never had to endure a test like that of Abraham. I couldn't imagine strapping either of my two little girls to an altar, I don't want to even think of it. So every test from God is in perspective, and meant to make you stronger.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
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