READ: GENESIS 22: 1-14
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.” (V. 14)
Malawi, a very small country of 21.4 million people in Southern Africa, continues to be one of the poorest nations on earth. The average annual income is around $484 and their currency was devalued late last year by 44%. To put in comparative terms, the Malawi Kwacha is worth about .00057 cents on the dollar. Adding to the economic woes, the country recently declared a drought emergency as 44% of their corn crop failed due to lack of rain. However, in the midst of economic hardship and growing hunger, two faith led Executive Directors are helping pave the way for a better future through their Christian Education/Ministry Programs. Dan Falinya of Cornerstone Ministries in Salima, and Wille Mpasuka of Rays of Hope Ministries in Blantyre, whose work in education and community empowerment keep moving forward in spite of the severe conditions that, at times, make hope for the future hard to visualize. Yet, when I communicate with them, they each have the same reply when asked how they will continue to move their nation transforming programs forward— “through the provision of God.” That my friends are absolute statements of unqualified FAITH!
I cannot begin to fathom the thoughts going through Abraham’s mind when God instructed him to sacrifice his son Isaac, whom he loved so much in the land of Moriah. Think of the immense pain and torment he must have felt on the three-day journey to the place where the sacrifice was to take place. “Why are you asking me to do this unspeakable act when I have been faithful to you,” would have been my response on every step of the trip. But Abrahams’ faith in the goodness and love of God remained rock solid even as he was about to plunge the knife into his son. It was at that exact moment God stepped in sparing Issac and providing a ram for the sacrifice. Truly, even at the last second, Abraham realized that his faith in God’s provision had not been misplaced. Although God works in mysterious ways far beyond our understanding, the faithfulness of his promises is indeed the bedrock of our faith. Abraham never doubted, was obedient, and became the Father of all nations!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
There is a powerful faith building lesson reflected in the actions of Abraham, Dan and Willie. Does your faith reflect the absolute certainty that God will provide?
Dear Father God, help me remove all doubt and fear when tested by the challenges of life. Let me stand solidly on your promises knowing that you will never fail to provide.