Genesis 22:1-8

“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar.

Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.”

Abraham’s mountain was arduous and steep.

I want to begin by sharing Charles Spurgeon’s thoughts on this passage in bold type before sharing mine in regular type. He makes two points that are important for each of us.

First, the opening lines, “After these things” is referencing the many trials Abraham had endured before God asked this monumental task of Abraham. For this reason, there is no pause in his answer to God. Of course he will sacrifice the most precious thing in his life, his son. God will never ask us to slay our child on the altar as a sacrifice. But He will ask difficult things of us, when He knows we are ready for the task. We often feel we are not equipped or that we are unworthy to step forward with what God is asking. But He never nudges us unless He knows we are ready. God will provide what is needed. Not necessarily what we want, but what we need. Whether you are a long-time follower, a new follower, or still deciding whether to follow Jesus, do not listen to Satan’s lies. He will tell you that you are not worthy, or the time is not right for you to take that next step forward.

Second, when Abraham reached the bottom of the mountain, he turned to tell his servants to stay there and wait. Abraham continued up the mountain where the most difficult event was to take place. He traveled that piece of the journey with only God to guide and comfort him. There are times when it will be best for us to walk a journey with only the help of God. Before I get too far into this section of discussion, God’s word tells us that fools function in isolation. Spurgeon is not encouraging us to live in isolation, unwilling to head godly counsel.

Example: Before David and I divorced, I had reached a point where I needed to eliminate all human voices concerning the decision. I sat daily with my bible, tears, and begging God to show me what to do next. I had to walk that steep mountain with only God at my side.

I am on a journey now I would never have chosen for myself. After years of others encouraging me, it was only when I had peace with God that I took the step forward. I am trusting in His strength to lean on. Fifteen years ago, even with encouragement of godly people, I was not ready. God took me on other journeys to prepare my heart to take massive steps into obedience.

Father, my heart has been aching for women who are afraid to trust you, afraid to take the next step to know Your goodness in a fallen, hurtful world. Wrap Your arms around them. Send sweet followers to love them well, to reassure them none of us are worthy. Yet You love and want us to draw near to You. Your desire is to heal their fragile hearts. Hear my plea for them. Walk with them up their mountain. In Jesus name, Amen