I feel like God has made me a lot of promises.  No, not like “Hey Sarah, here’s what I have for you” but impressions regarding my life and purpose that I’ve been so sure He’s wanted for me, and appear to be just out of reach.  As I pray, the Father brought to mind Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22: 1-19).  God told Abraham that from him He would make His people more numerous than the sands.  But, Abraham and Sarah were old.  Like really old. Sarah scoffed and even went her own way, her decision doling consequence we experience to this day.  Still, Abraham held fast to the very unlikely (outside of God) promise.  Fast forward, Isaac!  Promise fulfilled!  Then…God told Abraham that he was to sacrifice his only son on an alter.  What?  How on earth was God going to make many nations of Abraham and Isaac if Isaac was, well, dead?

Even so, Abraham was obeident.  And, in the end, God provided a ram in place of Abraham’s only son, faithfully fulfilling the promise He’d made.

As I travel this season of my life, seeking worth and purpose, I’m reflecting on the things I thought God wanted for me, doubting I’ve ever heard the promise, thinking maybe I heard wrong. In these instances, I’m so grateful Our Father told us there was nothing new under the sun, and He exquisitely provides example after example to my heart when I’m hurting and confused. I’m not alone. Someone faithful to Him struggled with similar feelings and I do not have a high priest unable to sympathize with me (Hebrews 4:15).

I need to lay my doubt on that alter too.  I’m discouraged and confused, but I know my Father is so good, only good, and His heart is for me.  The truth is, whether I heard the promise or not, my best course of action is to lay even what I THINK He said on His alter.  If it’s his purposes for me, it’s a sacrifice to Him anyway.  What He does with it once I lay it down is completely up to Him.  

How refreshing is that, what a load off our shoulders if we can truly lay our confusion and doubt on his alter.  If it was Him, it will come to pass, let it be done, amen and amen.  If not…well…He’s not judging me for my misinterpretation.  He’s loving me through my struggle and has promised to show me a better way, that He WILL make my paths straight as I pursue HIS heart.

What’s your Isaac?  What is God asking you to lay down?  Is it a situation, a sentiment, or even a lie you’ve believed about yourself for way too long? you know…I’d encourage you to do so.  It only gets harder the longer you try to control the process.  And if you don’t, that’s okay too.  Ask Him.  He’s faithful, and He’ll show you as you surrender what you thought you knew to Him.  He promised.  And what he promises will come to pass.

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” -Mark 9:24