“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.” – Genesis 22:12
As we reflect on the profound story of Abraham and Isaac, we’re confronted with a challenging question: What are we withholding from God? In Genesis 22, we witness Abraham’s unwavering faith and obedience as he prepares to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, in response to God’s command.
But just as Abraham is about to carry out the sacrifice, the angel of the Lord intervenes, sparing Isaac’s life. The reason? God recognized Abraham’s fear of Him, evidenced by his willingness to offer his son without reservation.
Abraham’s example prompts us to examine our own hearts and lives. Are there areas of our lives that we’re withholding from God? Are there “non-negotiables” that we’re unwilling to surrender to His will?
Consider the ways in which we may be holding back from God:
– Perhaps we’re willing to devote our Sunday mornings to worship, but we’re reluctant to surrender the rest of our week to His guidance and direction.
– Maybe we’re comfortable with Jesus being our Savior, but we struggle to acknowledge Him as Lord over every aspect of our lives.
– We might offer songs of praise and worship, yet withhold our obedience, faithfulness, time, or finances from Him.
These “non-negotiables” create barriers in our relationship with God, hindering His work in our lives and preventing us from experiencing the fullness of His blessings and purpose.
Take a moment to identify any areas of our lives that we’re withholding from God. Let’s surrender our non-negotiables to Him, acknowledging His lordship over every aspect of our lives. As we yield ourselves fully to His will, may we experience the freedom, joy, and abundant blessings that come from living in obedience and surrender to our Heavenly Father.