"ALL THE THINGS"

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Hello Covenant Family!

If you have ever taken an inventory of your life, you know that God has been good the entire time. Of course, some things we experience cause us to question that fact. However, circumstances can never change the fact that “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” I love that but some may wonder what that means. At creation God surveyed His creation (i.e. the universe, inanimate objects, and all living creatures) and declared them good. And after God created humanity, He said, “It was very good (Genesis 1:31). God’s plans are good. God’s creative “original factory settings” are good. Accordingly, God works things out “for our good” as we love, serve, and follow Him (Romans 8:28). Even when we miss the mark, God is always ready to correct our course to return to His original design. We can rely on God to provide even when we can’t count on anyone else including ourselves. As we understand this, we recognize that God has everything we need to lead a successful life of victory.

In Genesis 22, Abraham is confronted with a loyalty test. Previously, God promised that Abraham and Sarah would have a child in His timing.   They were impatient and unbelieving because the circumstances seemed impossible. Physically, they were impossible. But God provided as He promised. Now, God wanted to see if Abraham was truly sold on God’s provision. God sent an angel with a death sentence for Abraham’s son, Isaac. He was told to offer him as a burnt offering. Abraham didn’t ask any questions. He just moved forward with God’s command.  Isaac questioned Abraham’s actions because the circumstances didn’t line up with what usually happened at the sacrificial moment. Although the moment looked final and cruel, God intervened with the prescribed sacrifice He provided in His timing. I believe Abraham knew God would not let him harm his son. He knew, “God [would] provide” just what was needed (v. 8). In fact, when the Lord transformed the moment, Abraham named that place, “Jehovah-jireh,” meaning the Lord will provide (v. 14).  Nevertheless, Abraham wanted God to know that nothing superseded his devotion to Him. I pray we all get to a place in our relationship with God where no matter what, we know that God is our Source and will provide “all the things” we need. Only our faith and trust in Him will get us there.