Abraham had long waited for the promise of God that he and his wife Sarah would have a son. Now, he was asked to do the unthinkable: to offer up his son as a sacrifice. What most people do not touch on and may not see is the faith of Abraham. Abraham had faith in God. As he and Isaac left behind their traveling companions to journey to the final destination for the sacrifice. As they carried the items needed for the sacrifice (fire, wood, and a knife), Isaac posed to his father the question: But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” and he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7). Within Abraham’s answer lies the hope and the faith of every Christian past, present and future. An answer so simple, yet so profound that its effects is felt through the time and continue to see its fulfillment today. Read carefully the words of Abraham’s answer: And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.” (Genesis 22:8). The wonder of this verse can be broken down into two parts: God’s plan and God’s provision. God’s plan was fulfilled in Jesus and He provided that. God’s provision much like His plan is still in effect today. Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord will provide. The Bible is filled with provisions and promises of His provision to His people. From a young boy’s lunch, He provided a satisfactory meal for over 5,000 people.. From a rock, he provided water. From the sky in the arid desert wilderness, He provided manna. To a nation escaping its slavery, he provided cloud during the night that gave light and during the day to lead the way. John Newton wrote in His most recognized and beloved hymn, “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” God provision whether past, present or future is God’s grace at work in the lives of His people. God provides the necessary ingredients to ensure our victory, to endure our journey, and to enact His purpose for us. Paul shared while in a difficult situation the source of his content and his joy: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19). Our Holy God Jehovah, knows our needs in life’s journey before we even ask Him for it. It is a joyous wonder for every Christian to rely on God who never fails to provide, but too often we are guilty of forgetting some truths about His provision. God provides in His own time. There is a song which includes the words, “God’s never late, He’s always on time”. God is not on our schedule. His timing is impeccable. When it comes to working in our lives, God does not make mistakes. It was not until the altar had been built and Abraham’s son had been bound and the knife in his hand had been raised at the ready before the ram was provided. What you consider last minute, God considers perfect timing. He took care of the widow in II Kings 4, who was losing her two sons to debtors. Again, God’s perfect timing came into play. He provided in such a way, that she was able to pay off her debt and as for the rest of the monies made from the oil she sold; her and her sons were able to live off of. That is God’s providing grace at work. The other truth, we need to remember is God provides in His own way. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8) What we look for and how God does it more often or not are two different things. Too often we look for his work on the grand stage, but God provides in the most simplest of settings. The grand stage: 5 loaves and two fishes used to feed over 5000 people. The simplest of settings: God uses ravens to nourish the prophet Elijah with bread and meat in the morning and the night while alone in the wilderness by the brook Cherith (I Kings 17). God’s way and His timing are much different than ours but there is no denying that is the right way and the best timing. Instead of fretting on what to do, trust in God, rely on Him, follow His plan and He will care for you and provide you with what you need to help you make it through the day. Not only through the day, but through life as well.
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