Bible Reading: Genesis 22:1-14
Focus Verse: Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:2
God: “Release your grasp”
Me: “But God, You said…”
God: “Release your grasp”
Me (ANGRY): Why would you show me a promise and then tell me to release it… I’m tired…Tired of waiting… I never asked for this… Everything You instructed me to do, I did… I trusted You…
This was a conversation between God and myself one evening while watching a sermon online. Instantly, tears began to fall from my eyes. I was devastated.
Back in 2013, God had revealed to me one of His promises for my life, and since then, the promise has been confirmed, through His word, multiple dreams I had, and other people. After going back and forth in my mind for a while, pondering if indeed the promise would come, I finally pushed my fears and doubts out, received the promise and was ready to walk into it! And then this happened…
What do you do when the very thing that God promised you, He turns around and requests you to sacrifice? God has so many amazing blessings and promises that He desires to release to His people. But like Abraham, He desires to see where your heart is first. Before He releases the promise, He has to know that you love Him, the promise giver, more than you love the promise.
Often times, as Christians, we can make idols out of God’s promises. The promise of a new home, a successful business or career, a family, starting a new ministry; all of those things are nice, but when we place them above God, we pervert them, and begin to worship things that were never designed to be worshipped.
Has God been calling you to a posture of surrender? Have you created idols out of some of His promises? Has He shown you a promise and now requesting you to surrender it back to Him?
Prayer: Father, thank you for speaking directly to my heart. I love you and I never want to place anything above You, even the promises that You show me. Give me the courage to surrender everything to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Allen says
Wow! Awesome word Tiffani!
Steph says
At times I believe that we know that we have to make the sacrifice but don’t want to out of fear. We are spiritual hoarders, we want to hold on because God has given us a promise. However you are right he wants our hearts to be on fire for him. Thank you for this devotional and prayer, it’s a wonderful way to start my week.
Brittney says
This was right on time Tiff!!! Thank you!
Tiffani says
Praise God, I’m so glad it blessed you!
Asia Star says
What a word… I so needed this!!! And now, I shall move forward.
Tiffani says
Amen, keep moving sis!
Marcie says
Amen!! Great word!! We must surrender all!! So proud of you too!! 🙂
Tiffani says
Thanks boo!
Alexis says
So true!! This was awesome!! Thank You for that!! Can’t wait for more!!
Chiereme says
Didn’t expect it, needed it, cryed over it, LOVED IT!!
Glad to see you ‘making’ your dreams come true!
Looking forward to more posts!
Best,
Chiereme
Tiffani says
So glad it blessed you Chiereme!
Corey says
We can make our own plans but the Lord gives the right answer.
$.2016.$
Julianne says
There are absolutely a whole lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a terrific point to bring up. I supply the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are actually questions like the 1 you bring up where essentially the most vital thing will likely be operating in honest superior faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, but I’m sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each boys and girls feel the impact of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.