Or Things Will Not Flow”

God made you a promise. You know he did, butcircumstances in your life appear to show things differently. It’s nothing new, because you know from experiences, the darkest hour becomes before the dawn. You hold out and in spite of all the trials and tribulations. God once again proves himself and delivers to you, your Isaac. We all know Isaac was the heir of Abraham, a son, delivered to Sarah, a woman way pass childbearing years. Even though it took years to fulfill, God held on to his promise and gave Abraham and Sarah their promise, a son. I can imagine at that time, they were celebrating like it was no tomorrow. You know has it is. Can you think of a time that you kept speaking on what God had told you and years went by and nothing had changed?  I’m sure there were days that you had to keep yourself from doubting, casting down negative thoughts and words in order to keep the faith. We all have been there at some time or another and then the release comes. God brings it to pass; its like your body does a great exhaling. Whew, right when it seemed you were ready to faint, God delivered! Everybody is happy now right? Of course, its praise and worship time in the house!! Time to pull out the church lady shoes!

            Well now things are flourishing, you see the fruit of your labor and prayers. Oh you know what I’m speaking on. You worked hard for a position on your job; your promotion came through in spite of those who felt you were unqualified. You got your Isaac. You were diligent in your ministry, helping folks and going beyond the call of duty, now your church finally has a building; you have your Isaac.  Your children starting to be obedient to your new spouse, your family is getting closer. You have your Isaac. The loan came through for that house. The man or woman of your dreams finally has come forth. All of these things are someone’s Isaac in some form or fashion. Let me ask, “What is your Isaac?”

            Now let’s go here. One thing we must keep in mind, God gives us things for his glory. He is the center of everything and the giver of all good things. We must realize that at any time, God will test us to see where our heart is. You see God is a jealous God, not as in sinful jealousy, don’t get it twisted. God wants us to always keep him first, because in Him is all we need. If you have God as the center of your life, He is your all and all. The rest is simply blessings and favor that He gives you. He made you and knows what’s best for you. He gives us our “Isaac”, because he is a loving and faithful God. He sees your dedication and heart towards Him. He is a rewarder to those who trust in him and are faithful.

How much do we really trust him? Oh with my life, you may say. Now its easy to say the words, but it’s a whole different story when the tables turn and it has to be proven by actions. Now that you have your Isaac in mind, remember how Abraham was tested? He had to sacrifice him unto God. Sacrifice. Hmmm, I believe that means to give something up willingly that’s valuable to you. It has to also be of value to the one you giving it to. (in my opinion) The reason you doing it, because you know that person at the moment needs or merits it more than you at the moment. No, God doesn’t need anything from us, but he does want us to willingly offer our body, soul and spirit to him. He wants us to have a love for him that nothing will separate us from him, not even our Isaac. We are to serve God for who He is and not what he gives us. You got that?

Now about different ways of sacrificing, has the Lord ever asked you to give someone something you cherished, like money, a ride to work or speak a word to someone, who barely speaks to you? In your mind you are saying, “He doesn’t need this or she isn’t going to listen? Well it’s not up to you to decide either way.  Its your duty to be obedient to him. You know why? “OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE”.  God is not looking at the sacrifice, he looking at your obedience. Keep that in mind. So many times our stubborn will has to be broken. Never go on what you feel, but what the Lord tells you to do.

Then there comes a time in life, if you haven’t already been there that your Isaac has to go on the sacrificial table. This how it usually works, the very thing that God gave you is starting to fall out of your hands. How can God gave you a better paying job and then the company downsize and you get a pink slip? What is going on when that mate starts to have a wandering eye or you both can’t see eye to eye? How about the bills so bad you can’t stay afloat? Suddenly no one is attending service, not even Mama Lucy!  Now add the icing on the cake. Everybody and their mama know how God has blessed you and now…well…you know how it goes…they start watching. Some are shaking their heads behind your back. How in the world do you keep face and not lose hope? What do you do when it seems every demon in hell has been released on your life? God seems to seriously…seriously…gone AWOL to you. The blessings seem like a curse.

So I’m sure at this point like most all kinds of thoughts going through your head. Why is this happening to me? Then again, you may be praying, “Lord give me the strength to make it through.” Well personally as I always admit, both do run through my head, but I stay with the latter. Let me tell you something about making it through the sacrificial table phase of your life. Know that God has not put a deaf ear to you. I got to keep stressing this. Remember, obedience is better than sacrifice. When Abraham left with Isaac to go and sacrifice him, I believe a servant went with him (going on my memory). You are not in this alone. I can testify to this from my own experience. You are not going to that mountain alone. God will send people to walk with you. They may not know what is going on per se in your life or what God is testing you on, but they are there. However, my friend, you have to be the one to start the sacrifice and walk up that mountain. God wants you to take your hand willingly and sacrifice to him. You! Not your sister, brother or mother. You! Have a mind that whatever God gives me, when its required, I will give it back to him!

When you walking through this mountain in your life, keep in mind. If God made a promise, He will keep it. If you lose that job, that house, that friend, that business, it’s not over. God has a ram in the bush. You just have the heart that what God requires of you, you will do in obedient (without murmuring and complaining), whether you have an Isaac or not left. God doesn’t owe us anything. We owe him all. The only way we can do this is by trusting and obeying him. And many times you will be hurt, confused and even angry, but sin not and keep the faith. It doesn’t matter about the snide remarks, head shaking, or those who turn away from you. God is able to resurrect and restore any and everything in your life. I believe this what kept Abraham going forth. If the Lord could give a 100-year-old man a son, He can give him another if the one he had was taken. We cannot put a limit on what God can do. Stop trying to figure out, how it’s going to work out.  All we need to know is that God is able to do all things. We show this by our actions. So we know Abraham was obedient and God had a ram in the bush and Isaac was saved.

In saying all this to you my friend. God will save your Isaac. Whether it’s the one you have now or another he will bring in the future. You shall have the inheritance of your life that was promised. Don’t hold on too hard or focus on your Isaac so much that you let loose of God’s hands. Remember he was the one that put it in your hand and he has the right to take it back, if he desires. Its not that God wants to play mind games with us and send us in turmoil. The truth is, God has to teach us to follow him and not the flesh and our own minds. It’s easy to trust in what you see, but when you can operate in faith and move on what you can’t, you getting somewhere my friend.  It’s not easy to do, but it’s a must.  The key thing is don’t get so caught up the gift that you fail to stay in touch with the giver.  Remember our Isaac is a gift from the one who desires all the praise, God our giver.

Blessings,

Livi Stith