Sacrifice in Response to a Promise – I’m ALL In

I’m sure you’ve heard the story of Abraham before. But this little nugget of truth jumped out at me this time around in Genesis 12:1-8 The Lord called Abraham to leave everything he knew and go to the place God was showing him. Leave everything? Leave everything! Can you imagine?

Sometimes it’s difficult for me to leave behind a television show or a certain relationship. But can you imagine leaving behind everything you know to follow God? For some that may sound extremely hard. For others who want to get away from it all it may sound easy at first. But there’s no doubt about it. No matter your first impression this is in all aspects a difficult thing to do.

After God told Abraham to go to this place he told him he would bless him. So Abraham obeyed immediately. Then God appeared to Abraham and said I will give you this land. And Abraham built an altar to God.

Abraham’s immediate response to God’s provision and promise was not praise. It was not giving his tithe or going to church. It was an immediate sacrifice.

Do you ever look at sacrifice as a form of worship? Do you ever look at sacrifice as a way of showing thanksgiving? It truly is. Our sacrifices worship and bless God.

Abraham built an altar as a reminder of God’s promise to bless him. God has promised blessing for you as well. Do you have something to sacrifice as a way to remember his promises to you?

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,
And floods on the dry ground;
I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,
And My blessing on your offspring;

Have you ever held onto something you knew you were supposed to sacrifice or give up? There was a time in my life when television was much more of a priority. There were quite a few shows that I just couldn’t miss.

I felt God calling me to sacrifice this time because he had something greater. He had a plan that would use my time more wisely. God was calling me to give up something I really enjoyed but because I know He loves me and knows what is best for me, I listened.

Isaiah 55: 8-9

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

So even though I couldn’t understand his reasoning I trusted his plan for me. At first it wasn’t easy. It will not be easy. The enemy will be there to pound you with thoughts.

What’s the big deal?

Does God really care if you do that?

You’ll give it up eventually but for now it’s OK.

But (that person) is a Christian and she’s doing it.

Don’t kid yourself. These are direct attacks from the enemy. He’s trying to sabotage what God wants to do in and through you. Don’t give in to his tricks.

What sacrifice can you make today, this week, this month as an outpouring of God’s provision and promised blessing in your life?

He wants to take you to new heights and depths. He’s calling you my friend. Will you respond? Will you go deeper with him?

I’m all in!

Love and blessings,

Mealnie