Abraham was called “The Friend of God” Jm2:23b The offering of Isaac was a test not a temptation. The sacrifice of Isaac was neither a temptation of the flesh nor a desire of Abraham. It was a test. In the life of every believer comes a test. In the life of Abraham it came pretty far down the road. He had already left his homeland with wife and cattle and Lot with his possessions too. He had also believed that being past child bearing years he and Sarah would have a son based on God’s promise. Yet fifteen years later he was put to the test and as James says his faith was made perfect. Daniel, too, was put to the test. Not willing to follow the edict to only pray to the king for thirty days, Daniel looked to Jerusalem and prayed to God three times a day. For this he was thrown in the lion’s den. In this case, though the devil tried to steal the life of Daniel, God closed the mouth of the lion and Daniel was vindicated in the end. In the book of Hebrews chapter eleven we see many people of faith put to the test. Moses, for example, by not staying in Egypt in comfort, but siding with his Jewish heritage went out into the desert and became a spokesperson for God. God is looking for friends. You cannot be a friend of the world and expect to please God. St. Paul was separated unto the gospel. He experienced many hardships to preach the good news. Jesus tells us you cannot love God and mammon. It is one or the other. In the life of every believer there are turning points. Choices are to be made. Some doors closing and others opened that God wants you to walk threw. Being a believer and doing the right thing does not always bring about ease and comfort. God expects those he calls his children to be at it for him. Sometimes that means giving up some things that you love for the love of God. It means sacrificing the natural for the spiritual. Where are you in this journey of faith? Have you begun the journey? Have you entered the race? Are you facing trials and tests? Is it a time of peace and quiet? Do you think that by doing the right things you won’t be put to the test? The devil is a lurking lion seeking whom he may devour. He comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. When you yield to the call to follow Christ know that the battle is just beginning. Just as the devil is the enemy of God, he has now become your enemy too. You must take on the full armor of God and realize you are in a fight. It is a fight for your eternal life and those for whom you pray and witness. Have as your goal to be called “The Friend of God” The just shall live by faith. We walk by faith and not by sight. Be children of faith. Cross the finish line a victor. When the battle rages stay calm, cool, and collected by trusting in the living God. One day God will call you Friend! Amen |