Nothing Withheld

Genesis 22:9-12 ⁹ When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. ¹⁰ Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. ¹¹ But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. ¹² “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

I can’t imagine what Abraham (and even Isaac) experienced. Abraham’s obedience revealed he truly did love God with everything, which is God’s #1 command. Matthew 22:37-38 ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

What you and I withhold from God reveals what we love more than Him. If we truly love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, then there won’t be anything we withhold!!!

Joe and I were approached recently to support another local missionary in our church. We have several local college campus missionaries in our church and some of them we already contribute to financially. My first thought was “we can’t support everyone!” I was later convicted by my attitude and realized I loved myself more than God. If I loved God first, my first thought would have been “God, what do you want us to do?” Also, if God is asking us to support them, then He will help us to do it. I can go to Him for direction and help. As He helps me love Him more, I will withhold less.

What are you withholding from God? Money, free-time, sexual purity, time serving others, opening your home, a willingness to speak of God, or using your skills and abilities to help others in your church or neighborhood? Do you want to love God with all your heart, soul and mind? If so, how will you ask for His help to love Him this week, withholding nothing?

Alice