I know we have all heard it "Fear the Lord”. It’s written countless times in The Word of God, it’s probably printed on many a slogan-tee, and it’s a phrase we hear almost autonomously in church and in our Christian communities.
Many have understood this phrase as: “Respect the Lord and His Ways” and I certainly see the significance and Truth behind that reasoning. However, I want to shed light on a portion of the Bible which I find revealing: the clarifying of this phrase “Fear The Lord”.
In Genesis 22, we see God testing Abraham. God knew full well that Abraham would succeed at this test, but He wanted both Abraham and his son Isaac to see for themselves how much of Abraham’s faith was invested in The Lord rather than being invested in himself.
God called Abraham to literally sacrifice his only son who had been born to his wife Sarah in her old age: Isaac.
How it must have deeply hurt Abraham to hear The Lord God make this request, however, I do find it interesting to note that Abraham had not a single question. According to the Scripture (Gen. 22) his faith was demonstrated as he arose early in the morning in preparation for what The Lord had called him to do: He did not linger.
Abraham and Isaac reached the place where Isaac was to be sacrificed, but now Isaac had questions while Abraham remained focused on what The Lord commanded. Isaac said (Gen. 22:7) “Father, the fire and wood are here but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” and Abraham replied, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son”.
Boom!! Abraham was following through obediently -step by step- with what God had called Him to, knowing and believing that GOD WOULD PROVIDE. He had such an unwavering Faith in God it is something as believers we should all be aspiring to imitate.
As Abraham was getting ready to slay his son, an angel of The Lord intervened and put a halt to all action and said (Gen 22:12), “Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. Now I know you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son”. And at that very moment two things happened: a ram was provided in the thicket right above them for Abraham to sacrifice instead of his son Isaac, and both Isaac and his father Abraham were shown the extent of Abraham’s Faith in God.
Abraham feared The Lord, therefore, he did not withhold a single piece of his life- even his son- from the Lord. He trusted and had the childlike faith to believe that God would provide, regardless of the circumstance at hand.
As Believers, it isn't enough just to allow God to have access to certain areas of our lives. We ought to invite HIM into every single area in order to have His Fullness dwell within us, and transform our hearts and minds daily.
Abraham had God’s Fullness dwelling within him and his Faith demonstrated that. He then went on to become highly blessed and favored by God because of His Faith and Obedience.
I believe we can all have a Faith rioted so deep within God like Abraham did, but it starts with a go-getter heart that is eager to do The Lord’s Will, out of Faith in Him, first.
No matter where The Lord calls or the circumstances we face, every area of our lives belongs in HIS Hands, because In all certainty as a Loving Father, HE will provide.
TO CONNECT WITH AMANDA AND HER MINISTRY CLICK HERE