Small Steps with Jesus: Embracing Trust and Obedience
Pastor Tyler Renteria
Life can often feel like a series of major benchmarks: finishing high school, getting into college, starting a job, getting married, buying a house, and so on. This structured path simplifies life's progress into clear, measurable steps. But when it comes to our relationship with Jesus, it's often the small steps, the daily acts of trust and obedience, that truly define our journey.
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Abraham's Journey: A Lesson in Obedience
In Genesis 22, we encounter Abraham, a man called by God to leave his father’s land and promised that his descendants would be made into a great nation. This promise took 25 years to come to fruition when Abraham and his wife Sarah finally had their son, Isaac. When Isaac was around ten years old, God tested Abraham in a profound way.
The Test of Faith
Genesis 22:1-3 (NLT) says, "Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. 'Abraham!' God called. 'Yes,' he replied. 'Here I am.' 'Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.' The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac."
Abraham's immediate response to God's call, “Here I am,” reflects a posture of availability and readiness. Despite the shocking nature of God's request, Abraham did not question or delay. He prepared and set out early the next morning, showcasing his unwavering faith and obedience.
Timely Obedience
Obeying promptly is crucial in maintaining our alignment with God's plans. Just as Abraham set out without hesitation, we too must act when God calls us. Delayed obedience can cause us to miss out on God's timely interventions and the miracles He wants to perform through us.
The Journey of Trust
Abraham's journey to the mountain was a long one, spanning three days. During this time, he continuously chose obedience, despite the heavy burden of knowing what awaited at the journey’s end.
Sustaining Faith
Genesis 22:4-9 (NLT) continues, "On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 'Stay here with the donkey,' Abraham told the servants. 'The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.' So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, Isaac turned to Abraham and said, 'Father?' 'Yes, my son?' Abraham replied. 'We have the fire and the wood,' the boy said, 'but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?' 'God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,' Abraham answered. And they both walked on together."
Despite the daunting task ahead, Abraham's trust in God remained firm. He believed that God would provide, demonstrating a deep faith that went beyond understanding.
Prayers of Clarity vs. Prayers of Trust
Often, our prayers focus on seeking clarity, asking God for detailed instructions and assurances. While seeking wisdom is commendable, our motives must be checked. Are we seeking control, or are we genuinely trusting God?
Proverbs 16:16 (NLT) says, "How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!" Seeking wisdom is noble, but when we desire clarity to feel more in control, it shifts our prayers from trust to control. True trust involves stepping out in faith, even without knowing all the details.
The Miraculous Provision
As Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, God intervened.
God's Faithfulness
Genesis 22:10-14 (NLT) recounts, "And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, 'Abraham! Abraham!' 'Yes,' Abraham replied. 'Here I am!' 'Don’t lay a hand on the boy!' the angel said. 'Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.' Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.'"
Abraham's faith and obedience were rewarded with God's provision. He named the place "The Lord Will Provide," a testament to God's faithfulness.
Embracing Sacrificial Obedience
Obedience often requires sacrifice—whether it's financial, the sacrifice of control, or the surrender of our own plans. Yet, as Abraham's story illustrates, God honors our sacrifices and provides abundantly.
Reflecting on personal experiences can reveal how God has provided in various aspects of our lives, often through simple acts of obedience.
Where is God Calling You to Obedience?
Consider where God is asking for your obedience and what sacrifices that may entail. Remember, God isn’t asking us to do something He wouldn’t do. Lean on the community around you for support and prayer, and approach God with a posture of availability, ready to say, "God, I’m here."
Further Reading
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out a message titled, "Embracing God's Timing" by Pastor Reed Sowell