Surrender and Sacrifice
Prayer and Fasting Tips January 16th, 2008Genesis 22:9-10 (NKJV)
Then they came to the place of which God told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
I’ve always been fascinated by this beautiful picture of surrender and sacrifice. Here was Abraham, willing to offer his only son, whom he valued and loved, as a burnt offering for God. I try to read between the lines and imagine how he felt - surely his heart ached as he arranged the wood sticks; perhaps his hands trembled as he gently placed his son on the altar. But Abraham surrendered without question. He simply obeyed. Ultimately, Abraham surrendered because he put his complete faith and trust in God.
What happened next was even more incredible: God told Abraham not to lay a hand on Isaac.
Genesis 22:13 (NKJV)
Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
I love how God not only honored Abraham’s heart of surrender, but He also opened his eyes to God’s faithfulness and provision. When we surrender and trust in God, He lifts our vision to see creative solutions. He enables us to experience fresh insights and facets of His character.
If you’re like me, you’re yearning for fresh revelation and enlarged vision from God during this 21-day period of prayer and fasting. Is God calling you to surrender something during the process? (besides steak and sweets) Perhaps it’s releasing a relationship. Or maybe letting go of an area in your finances. It could even be something deeper - pride, fear, shame, worry, or insecurity. Whatever it is, it may require sacrifice.
But God will honor your heart of surrender and sacrifice. Even more, He will then “lift” up your eyes.
Jenny Huang
Celebration Staff
January 17th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Great word Jenny! I know God is going to give you some great revies during this 21 days.
January 17th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Wow Jenny! Lifting up our eyes for creative solutions! Come on!
January 18th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Very well said! That spoke right to me! God has definately been working with me on a past relational issue, and is directing my path to His greater glory and plan for my life.
January 19th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Dear Jenny, you have always been such an inspiration to me with your enthusiasm and kindness. Asking God to give me new creativity has just never crossed my mind. Thanks for sharing that with us. I know God has given us all a measure of creativity….can’t wait to see how He shows up in this prayer that I will be sending up! Way to lead us!