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Challenges of Following God
Decide to Obey

Genesis 22:1-2
“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."” (NIV)
1) All of us have been, or, will be tested in our faith. According on Psalm 139, we learn that our God already knows us intimately—inside and out,! More, from Mathew 9:4; Matthew 22:18 and Luke 16:15, we know that God is aware of our thoughts, our hearts, even our true intentions. So, who benefits from testing? Explain.
2) Scripture gives us several areas of testing and the true heart of God in applying them to our lives:
a) To reveal that He alone is God. Deuteronomy 4:34-39.
b) To test our love. Deuteronomy 13:1-4
c) To reveal the true nature of our hearts. 2 Kings 22:19; 1 Chronicles 29:17; 2 Chronicles 32:31; Psalms 17:3-4; 1; Psalms 26:2-3; Psalms 139:23; Jeremiah 11:20; Romans 8:27-29; and 1 Thessalonians 2:4.
d) To prove our obedience and faithfulness. Exodus 16:4; Judges 2:18-23; Judges 3:1-4; Job 23:10-11; and Luke 8:13.
e) To test our unselfish trust and worship. For His own divine purposes, God sometimes chooses to remove His protection from us. His purposes are impossible to fully fathom and most likely, we will not fully understand them this side of heaven. You have to remember that satan is not God’s opposite. He cannot read our minds and hearts, but he constantly accuses us before our Father (Revelation 12:10). Satan refuses to believe that we willing choose to follow our God. He believes we can be moved by circumstances, and God sometimes allows him to try and prove otherwise. The Bible refers to this as “sifting” us as one would sift wheat. In Biblical times wheat was beaten and shaken until all the useless parts (the chaff) were blown away. Dear sisters, always remember that God only allows this type of testing for our ultimate good. Regrettably, there are things in our life that need to be “sifted”, or “blown away.” Job 1; Luke 22:31-32 and Revelation 2:10
f) For our instruction and discipline. Deuteronomy 8:2-6, 16
g) To show us our true sin nature. Ecclesiastes 3:18 and Daniel 4:33.
h) To deliver us from sinfulness: Exodus 20:20.
i) To refine us and shape us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Psalms 66:10; Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 27:21; Isaiah 48:10; Jeremiah 9:6-7; Zechariah 13:8-9; Romans 8:29; James 1:2-5 and 1 John 3:2-3. One note here. Several of these passages refer to using a crucible and fire as refining tools. The most valuable of earth’s minerals, gold and silver, must be purified before their true worth is discovered. In earliest history, silver was once considered to be of more worth than gold. Silver may require multiple refining (Psalms 12:6) through the crucible or fire to bring out its brilliance. What is removed is the dross—impurities. That is what God is doing with us when he allows us to endure trials, suffering, testing. It is always, always meant for our good, with God’s ultimate goal—our Christ likeness!
j) The good news is—testing brings God’s blessing and joy into our lives. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; James 1:12 and 1 Peter 1:3-9 (Oh, see this in the KJV—unspeakable joy!)
3) We, too, have a part to play in all this. Scripture tell us that we are to test our own selves (our motives, our actions, even our standing in Christ). Psalms 4:4; Lamentations 3:39-40; 2 Corinthians 13:5 and Galatians 6:4-5
i) We are strongly warned to test everything: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 John 4:1-4.
(1) Now, a good way to test the spirits, (because girls, we are in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12) and all the messages being presented to us are not godly ) is to ask God for confirmation. In Old Testament times, judgment could only rendered by the testimony of two or more witnesses. Deuteronomy 19:15. Today, we have been given that same admonition. 2 Corinthians 13:1.
4) God tests us. We are also to test ourselves, but in Isaiah 7:12, we discover that we are never to put our God to a test. This is an area that satan used to tempt our Lord Jesus into sin (Matthew 4:7 and Luke 4:12). The only way we are told to put God to the test is found in Malachi 3:10, and this is to prove to ourselves that we can out give Him! The Pharisees, Sadducees and others put Jesus to the test at numerous times in the Gospels. Never did Jesus, the Son of God rise up in judgment against them, but putting God to the test can be deadly business. See Acts 5:1-10 to see the results this sin. Thank God for His mercy because I think we all do this to some extent whether we know it or not!
5) There is one testing that, thank God, we will not be ask to endure—God’s coming wrath (Job 20:4-5, 28-29)! Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 3:10.
6) So, now we seen the different ways (those this is probably not exhaustive) that God might test our faith, what do you think He might have been testing in Abraham?
Genesis 22:3-19
“Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." 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." And the two of them went on together. 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." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." 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." Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.”
1) Verse 3 indicates that Abraham responded to God with immediate, unquestioning obedience. This action shows an understanding of God and His ways and something else—complete and utter trust. God called Abraham to follow Him in faith late in his life (75). We know from Scripture that Abraham had walked with God for 25 years before his son Isaac, the deepest desire and longing of his heart, was given to him. Now Abraham was being asked by God to sacrifice his own beloved son! How quick are we to respond in obedience to God? See 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.
2) Let’s take a look at the times Abraham experienced God and how he responded. Genesis 12:7-9 (Abraham builds an altar to the LORD, which being translated means, the self-Existent or Eternal; Yahweh Jehovah. This is the Jewish national name of God.) Genesis 13:14-18 again, Abraham builds an altar to the LORD. In Genesis 14:22, he calls Him, the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth! Up to this point, we find that this is the only way Abraham knows God. Oh, after making treaty with a king who had caused him much difficulty, Abraham plants a tree—again, to the LORD! Now, it is very interesting that the first time we are given another glimpse of God and a new name for Him is through Abraham’s and Sarah’s handmaiden, Hager (Genesis 16 and Genesis 21:1-19.) El Roi—the God who sees me! Keep in mind, that she was a pagan, idol-worshiping Egyptian! Yet, the Lord loved her and her son! No, she didn’t build an altar, but God Himself gives her and her son living water (Genesis 21:8-19!) Oh, let’s drink of God’s living water—Jesus Christ! One thought--what brought her to the point that God revealed His glory to her?
3) Back to verse 7—You can see that Isaac, Abraham’s beloved son was somewhat perplexed. He knew for the offering to be pleasing to God, there must be the shedding of blood (Deuteronomy 12:27-28 and Hebrews 9:22.) Oh, look closely, your witnessing a glimpse of the unquestioning obedience of Christ (verse 9). Not a whimper is uttered from the one to be sacrificed—complete submission to his father’s will (Isaiah 53:7 and Matthew 26:38-39!) Praise be to our Rock!
4) God had always been Abraham’s Provider. Why do you think that it was only at that point Abraham was able to call God by this name? Look back to verse 8. These are no mere fluff words being spoken here! Not words such as: I hope God will, or maybe, if I pray hard enough He will, or please, God, if you are able… No, these are words of faith (Hebrews 11:1!) Beloved, our words have power (Romans 10:8-10!) No, I’m not preaching a “name it and claim it” philosophy, but I am saying we all should be speaking words of faith. That is exactly what Abraham did! (Hebrews 11:17-19) He found that God is more than able (Ephesians 3:20!)
5) I have to tell you—testing is rarely, if ever, without pain and sacrifice, (Hebrews 12:11) and I speak from personal experience! But, it is in the fire of testing (Hager and later, Abraham) that we experience God, and praise God, He shows us His glory! We, like Abraham, will find a new name for our God! Without experiencing my Jesus in the fire—I would never know that He loves me and is able to keep me from anything—even myself! I would never know that there is nothing too dirty, too sinful, to shameful to lay at His feet and receive His forgiveness! I would never know that He alone is my Sufficiency! I would never know that He is the God who will never leave me or forsake me! I would never know that He shuts the mouths of lions! I would never know that He truly does prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. I would never know that He is the God who heals me! No, it is because of the fire that I know that He alone is God and who do I have in Heaven besides Him? It is worth it! IT IS WORTH IT TO KNOW HIM! Philippians 3:8-14. I want this so much for every one of us! is H
6) Do you know our Provider God? What is it you need? “What do you want?” Jesus asked this question of two followers (John 1:38.) They were so taken aback by His question that their only response was to ask Him where He lived! Oh, surely we have a better response within us! Don’t miss your blessing! God already knows what you need, so be bold and ask (Matthew 6:8 and John 16:24-47.) God will provide, He is our Abba, Father (Daddy), but be sure your motives are right (James 4:3!)
7) Okay, we can’t leave these passages without another Christ picture, and it is, I think, the most poignant picture of Christ and His own sacrificial death in the entire Bible. Step back and re-read these verses. I hope you can see how they speak of God providing his own Lamb, Jesus Christ! God truly is our Provider God! Glory! Aren’t you glad God didn’t stay His hand and that He allowed His own Son to die for us? “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together! (Psalms 34:3.)
8) I think we have already touched on this, but it’s worth repeating and having it forever sealed in our hearts—obedience always brings blessing! Deuteronomy 28:1-13. The blessing bestowed upon Abraham by God in verses 16-18 that through his seed (Galatians 3:16) all nations will be blessed is speaking, yet again, of the coming Christ—the Savior of the whole earth! This was first promised to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:15.) We learn later, in Galatians 3:8, that through this blessing the gospel was preached to Abraham! You can know with surety that Abraham was able to fully comprehend the gospel because of this fiery experience and new revelation of his God!
9) Take the time to read over the whole story of Abraham. He starts out pretty wobbly (much like a child learning to walk.) He stumbles, he falls, but he always gets back up (Proverbs 24:16!) After this event in his life, you never again see him fall. He is changed! In Genesis 25, he breathes his last at a ripe old age of 175! He walked blamelessly for another 75 years after seeing God’s glory! Have we been changed? Rest assured, God won’t stop until we are! Philippians 1:6.
10) So, besides obedience, which is a given, what would you say should be our immediate response to God when He chooses to reveal Himself to us? Matthew 28:1-9. Amen and amen!