Giving Over to God

“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.” Genesis 22:12 (NLT) Not too many people like tests. The test that Abraham had received was a hard one—it was a testing of his faith. In Genesis 22:2, God tells Abraham to, “Take your son . . . Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains.” The next morning Abraham and his son head out. The fact that Abraham listened to God, and did what was required without complaint, challenges me. This was his only son who he deeply loved. Yet the story ends happily as God stops Abraham provides a ram as a substitute sacrifice. Now that was a test of faith in God! There are times when I have had to give over to God what is precious in my life—to say, “God, this is not mine . . . this loved one does not belong to me but belongs to you. You can do whatever needs to be done.” A test for me was giving my family over to God. As a young adult, I would get very lonesome if I was away. Yet I wanted to be a missionary, and that would require being away from family, maybe a long distance. When I read about Abraham, it comforted me and gave me hope. When I give my family and other cares into His capable hands, God will take care of it. I just need to have my hands open and say, “God, You know what is best. Do as You please in this situation.” Today I have been away from my family, living across Canada, and now in the States. Not once have I felt homesick. God truly has answered my prayer in giving my family over to Him. He has given grace that has been enough! – Myrna Kopf   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org