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On the Trusting God Trail By David Jeremiah

Climbing Mount Moriah to offer a sacrifice to the Lord, father Abraham carried a knife and his son carried the wood. Then the son noticed ... no lamb for an offering?

Abraham explained that God would provide a sacrifice-his son, Isaac. Yet, Abraham also said, "we will come back to you" to 2 servants (Genesis 22:5). Could he kill Isaac and still return with Isaac? Could it mean, "God was able to raise [Isaac] up, even from the dead" (Hebrews 11:19).

Abraham was willing to obey God in this, the hardest command he had ever been given, because he'd walked "the Trusting Trail" with God for many years.

Where the Trusting Trail Began

An unknown God called Abraham out of a pagan city of idol worshippers to go to Canaan. But, he didn't receive God's promises until he moved to Canaan.

Abraham Stumbles in Egypt

Famine came to Canaan, and Abraham followed his carnal instincts to leave the trail of trust and "Follow the food!" So he, his wife Sarah, nephew Lot, and servants left the Promised Land without consulting God. Then Abraham stumbled-to save his life, he lied to Pharaoh saying Sarah was his sister. That pagan king responded honorably, and Abraham was humiliated (Genesis 12:10 ff.).

We can excuse Abraham's lack of faith as a rookie believer. But, some veteran believers rush to the world to solve problems instead of turning to God.

A Bramble Named Lot

Entangled with his nephew back in Canaan, Abraham humbly and generously gave Lot the best portion of land for his flocks, trusting God that his own portion would be sufficient. When Lot became a resident of sinful Sodom and was carried off by marauding kings, Abraham rescued him and refused a reward from Sodom's king, preferring only God's riches. He was learning to trust (Genesis 13-14). Would you rescue an enemy? Are you with Abraham on the Trusting God Trail?

A Resting Place on the Trail

After defeating 5 eastern kings, God appeared to Abraham, taking all responsibility and insuring that Canaan would be Abraham's forever
(Genesis 15). Are you at rest on the trail of trust, knowing Christ has totally provided for your eternal rest in heaven?

An Avalanche of Disbelief

You'd think Abraham would stick to the Trusting God Trail after God's affirmation. But, when he realized he had no son, no descendants, he failed to trust God's timing and had an illegitimate son with Sarah's maid. We too are sometimes impatient and need to get back on the Trusting God Trail.

Making Progress Again

After Abraham lost his disbelief, he found God waiting to affirm his faith through a second covenant confirming countless descendants
(Genesis 17). Now Abraham waited.

After you've failed God, has He come and strengthened you to walk in victory again? God's nature is gracious. Walk with Him on the Trusting God Trail.

Never Too Many Twists and Turns

Recognizing Lot's disobedient refusal to escape Sodom, Abraham interceded with God again, and God sent two angels to rescue Lot and his family (Genesis 18-19). Could God let your trusting trail run into a wall? Yes, but He unfailingly presents a way around.

Abraham at the Peak

After 25 years, Isaac was born, and Abraham realized that God is a faithful friend-his first plateau on the Trusting God Trail. Recognize your plateaus on the Trusting God Trail? God graciously leads up the trail, preparing us a step at a time.

The Final Ascent

As Abraham moved slowly up the side of Mount Moriah with his young son Isaac, he realized why he was willing to sacrifice what he loved most-because Jehovah had never failed him. Abraham understood Isaac is the son of promise and Kill Isaac as an offering to Me. He knew he could trust God-that both he and Isaac would come back as he'd promised the servants.

If God's commands seem conflicting, remember that Abraham made it to the top of Mount Moriah and down again, with God's sacrifice, because he first followed the Trusting God Trail to the top

This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's devotional magazine. Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points.