Names of God: Through Thanksgiving & ChristmasSample

Abraham was prepared, in obedience to God, to sacrifice his son Isaac. God’s promise to Isaac was that through Isaac the nation of Israel would rise, so this must have been a very confusing request. However, Abraham was committed to comply. At the last moment, God provided a suitable substitute for Isaac. Abraham commemorated that place as “The-Lord-Will-Provide.”

Abraham’s unquestioning obedience to God’s command gave God the glory He deserves. Abraham’s faith was so strong and committed to God that he truly believed that, even if he sacrificed Isaac, the Lord’s promise would still be carried out. God wants our hearts, which means that anyone or anything that holds our heart captive threatens the Lord’s position there. Believers must be prepared to sacrifice the person or thing that we would die for in order that God’s love, His trustworthiness, and His goodness will be witnessed through our obedience.

What has God been asking you to place on the altar? What relationship, passion, possession, ministry position, career choice, or life plan have you coveted and elevated above God? Will you trust God enough to release it and let go of your heart’s greatest desire, trusting that the Lord will provide exactly what you need?

Father God, You are my Provider, my Jehovah Jireh. I thank You for knowing me so intimately and completely that You know in advance exactly what I will need even when I don’t. I thank You for caring enough to make continual daily provision for me. Lord, keep my heart from desiring something that only You can provide. Lord, keep me from clinging to anyone or anything that threatens my wholehearted devotion to You. When my heart breaks over someone or something that You must take away, let my words be the same Words of Your Son, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.