Sandra Hubbard

I’m going to share a story. One that changed me. In ways I never imagined. And still is each day.

Meet Isaac. Young, mid 30’s, son to Abraham.

One day his dad invited him to go worship God with a burnt offering.

God told Abraham to offer him as the sacrifice. Abraham failed to mention that before Isaac agreed to go.

So they load up and head out. Isaac carrying the wood as they walk together. He realized they have supplies but no sacrifice.

And when he mentions this, Abraham tells him “God will provide for Himself a lamb for the burnt offering.” Gen 22:8

It’s what happens next that’s life changing.

Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood. Bound Isaac on the altar then raised his knife to kill him” Gen 22:1-16

Every parent would agree that Abraham’s obedience is unfathomable.

Any child would say the same about Isaac.

Isaac doesn’t run. He doesn’t snatch the knife. Or say a single word. Just silent, voluntary submission and surrender.

Just before his dad stabs him God stops the sacrifice. Then replaces Isaac with a ram. Gen 22:12

Can you imagine doing what Isaac did? I can’t.

Being willing to completely surrender our desires and plans without a word of resistance, rebellion or complaint?

To obediently choose surrender over self? It sounds simple. On paper. But in reality. Not so much. At least not for me.

Isaac didn’t lay pieces of himself down. No. It was all or nothing. It is with us too.

That day Abraham obeyed God and Isaac obeyed his dad. Even when none of it made any sense.

And what did God do? He provided the ram for the offering.

Before leaving Abraham named that place “The Lord will Provide.”

Because He did. After the obedience. Not before it.

Submission is giving God permission to become Jehovah-Jireh to us. Which means The Lord Will Provide.

Before the provision came the submission. It did then. It still does today. And it will tomorrow.