Following the Trail of God's Promises: The 40-Day ChallengeSample

16. The Reward for Obedience

When God put Abraham to the test, it was a great challenge and certainly a difficult decision to make - to obey or not to obey. Abraham decided to obey God, although he probably did not see the meaning of this demanding sacrifice that God had asked of him, and he certainly could not know where it would all lead. He could not have known that from the beginning God had a different plan, but Abraham's obedience and his loyalty to God was tested.

Like Abraham, we too have a choice when we are tested because God created us as beings with free will. When God asks us to obey, He does it for our good. It is up to us to trust Him because He is the one who sees the bigger picture. I believe that everyone can remember how many times God worked everything for good, but often we only see it when looking backward. But that's exactly why we can trust Him, because our God never fails and He loves us without end. Abraham experienced the consequences of his obedience already for himself - God poured out His blessing on him, but also on his descendants. It also extended to us - “all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring” (verse 18).

Let's think about what our obedience to God can bring to our lives and what kind of blessings it can bring to the people around us. Let's not forget - the choice is ours.

PRACTICAL CHALLENGE

Day 16. Turn your disobedience into obedience! Identify the temptations and trials that make it difficult for you to be obedient to God. What’s it all about for you, how or where are you disobedient to God? Read Psalm 51 and come before the Lord with a prayer to become a person after His heart.