by Charles R.
Swindoll
Read Genesis 22:9
Some people live so carefully they absolutely refuse to take
risks. Everything has to be carefully regulated and kept under control . . .
their control. Borders defined, guidelines spelled out, every dime accounted
for, no surprises. And after having expended so much time and effort trying to
live safely, they end life never having accomplished anything of lasting value.
They built nothing, tried nothing new, invested in no one.
Not Abraham! His faith had matured to the point that his absolute
confidence in God's character gave him the freedom to throw caution to the wind
and risk everything to obey. What a perfect lesson in theology for his son.
I've heard this passage preached countless times, and I've never
heard anyone talk about the quiet faith of this remarkable young man. He's the
sacrifice, yet he allowed himself to be bound up and placed onto that altar!
Obviously, this son learned his theology well from his father---a father who
released his son because he completely trusted his God. By the way, Isaac didn't
learn such faith on his way up the mountain that morning. He'd been cultivating
it over the years, thanks to his father who modeled it often.
Some of you parents may find yourselves in a similar situation as
you read these pages. Your relationship with your child may have reached a point
where you have no other choice but to commit him or her completely to God's
care. You would love to work out the details, but you cannot. You know the Lord
is good, and you have prayed for a resolution, but nothing has changed. Only God
can intervene. And because that is true, you can take your cues from
Abraham.
Place your relationship with that son or daughter on the altar
today. Surrender him or her to the Lord as an offering. Take this risk. Mentally
place your boy or girl on top of the wood, and step back from the altar. Trust
God. In His time, He will provide.
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