“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”” – Genesis 22:1 

Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19

Have you ever had those moments when you wanted to cry out, “Lord, what are you doing? Why is this happening? Have you forgotten your promises?” That’s likely what Abraham was thinking when God came to him in this way.

But from the very first verse, we’re told—this is a test. God never intended for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (see Jeremiah 32:35). What God is doing is showing Abraham—and us—that His call is total. “I want you, all that you treasure, all your desires. I want your whole heart. Give me your all!” So, we must ask: If God took what’s most precious to you, would you still trust Him? Would you still worship Him? Is He still worthy of praise? Yes, He is!

In response, Abraham rises early. He’s ready to obey. What God asks, he will do promptly. Three times in the passage we hear him say, “Here I am” (vv. 1, 7, 11). What a way to begin the day! Why not begin your day saying to God “Here I am. I want to serve You. I want to obey. I need your help, Lord, here I am!”

The wonderful thing about all this is that ultimately the Lord in His love provides for Abraham, and Isaac is spared. This is the point: the Lord gives what He asks.

Take heart, the LORD asks the world of us, and we are weak. It’s too much for us. But in His grace to us in Jesus Christ, God gives what He asks. He is faithful.

Suggestions for prayer

Ask God for grace to begin each day with a willing heart: “Here I am!” Praise Him for His faithfulness to provide all He asks of us, through Christ.

Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.