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God Always Sends a Ram

Genesis 22:1 reads, “God tested Abraham,” as the Lord asked Abraham to offer his dearly beloved son, Isaac, as a burnt offering.  Any loving parent can relate to Abraham’s painful dilemma. God’s command was clear, but could he watch his own child die?

This test allowed Abraham to see what the Lord already knew.  His trust in the Lord had grown to the point of following even when it could mean the death of his son.  When the Lord spared Isaac by providing a ram, Abraham understood he had learned to trust God with everything.

God still uses tests to help His children understand trust.

 

It’s easy to proclaim, “As for God His way is perfect.  The Lord’s word is flawless.  He shields all who take refuge in Him.” (2 Samuel 22:31) when everything is well.  But will we follow Abraham’s example when tragedy strikes?  Here is one couple’s story:

On October 27th 2000, three month old Hannah Rose was laid down for her afternoon nap.  Nicknamed “our little manna from heaven,” she was the loving couple’s third child. But, sadly, her parents had no idea that she would soon wake-up in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.  At 3 pm that day, a family’s life was suddenly turned upside down by S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

In anguish, as Hannah’s parents held her lifeless body in the ER, their healing began.  Through heavy sobs they could be heard thanking the Lord for Hannah.  Thanking Him for allowing them to be her parents.  Thanking Him for her smile.  Thanking Him for holding her now. That evening they wrote a note…

For Hannah

“This is written by grieving parents who have lost their baby. We do not know why this happened. We do know God tells us, “To trust in the ways of the Lord and lean not on your own understanding.” We will trust. We do not know why she was taken, but we do know that “Blessed are the children for they will inherit the kingdom of God.” We know our daughter has received her inheritance.

Our hearts are breaking but the Bible tells us, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” We will be comforted. We feel alone, isolated. God tells us, “Do not fear for I AM with you. I will never leave nor forsake you.” We are not alone. He is with us.

We can focus on death, or we can dwell on life. We will remember life…that our daughter has received the gift of eternal life through our Lord Christ Jesus. “For all who receive Him, for those who believe in His name He gave the right to become a child of God.” Our Lord says, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to little ones such as these.” God does not lie. Our daughter is being cradled in Jesus’ loving arms. We are blessed.”

Why did the Lord take Hannah home? They would take God at His Word. Scripture states, “The righteous perish,  and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away,  and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.”  (Isaiah 57:1) and “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death (earthly) better than the day of birth.” (Ecclesiastes 7)  Their daughter was safe, spared from evil, a tear would never touch her eye and they would see her again one day.

Through this awful test, theology had become reality.  God would use their affliction to reveal His glory. Through trust they could live His truth, knowing the Lord had provided His own Son as the ram, Jesus Christ, so that their Hannah could live.

The Lord has provided the couple many rams over the last fourteen years. He has protected their marriage and their twins have matured into beautiful young adults.  A production company bearing Hannah’s name produced an Easter special that was broadcast by ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates throughout the United States.   The Lord has even ‘made all things new’ each year when they celebrate the birthday of their daughter, Sarah Grace, adopted from China four years after Hannah went to live with the Lord.  As only God could arrange, Sarah’s birthday is October 25th, truly allowing them to exchange sorrow for joy.

God’s tests help us understand where our trust lies.

They force us to make a simple decision; trust or turn away.  Trust is always the right answer.

So be encouraged!  The Word of God is living and active.  Don’t reduce it to just a study of God (theology).  Live the Word.  Then, when affliction comes you will trust and name the place of your testing as Abraham did his when he said, “The Lord provides.” (Genesis 22:14)

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