Put Your Shoes On!

So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac.  And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.  Genesis 22:3

The nighttime is often dreaded if you’re a chronic worrier.  I am one by nature and I have lived much of my life obsessing over things from every angle.  In an hour or two, I managed to work myself up into a crisis.  I made the mistake of looking down the road and imagining everything I thought I’d have to go through. I declared to myself, and to God, that it was all too much.  What I didn’t understand was that the way through any painful journey, including the one Abraham made up the mountain with Isaac, is one grace-filled step at a time.

Let’s walk with Abraham this morning.  He knows the ultimate test that awaits him at the top of Mt. Moriah.  Isaac will be sacrificed.  There are many steps still ahead of him before he will be asked to place his son on the altar.  He began the arduous emotional journey earlier that morning, preparing for the trip.  He woke up early, got his team together, cut the wood, saddled his donkey, and said goodbye to Sarah.  He is learning that God gives momentary manna for difficult days.  He is leaning into it with every step he takes. 

Abraham would have a lot to teach me about fear vs. faith.  He would tell me that to battle for faith means to trust God with one moment after another.  God never gives enough strength, enough grace, for a week or a month.  There’s no such thing as collecting courage that will last the breadth of my journey.  He gives only what I need for this hour. 

For today’s challenges, the wind of the Spirit will strengthen me as the scriptures come alive and saturate my fearful heart.  I will find courage as I remember that Jesus is with me ~ all powerful, all knowing, moving outside of time.  He sees what I need now, and He’s provided what I will need tomorrow.  He promises to infuse my spirit with the same faith that carried Abraham to that very moment when he saw God’s provision of a lamb. 

You and I cannot carry the load of all our tomorrows.  We start with the next step in front of us. What is it?   Prepare to move. 

Ask for grace. 

Arm with scripture. 

Meditate on the words. 

Take Jesus’ by the hand and move. 

This is the recipe for the way of the cross.

I’m no longer immobilized. Thank you. Amen