Abraham waited many years for a son… the son God had promised. God made good on His promise and gave Abraham Isaac… but now God wanted Isaac back – now God wanted more of Abraham.

Remember the story in Genesis chapter 22, when God commanded Abraham to offer up his only son as a sacrifice? Abraham must have had some fears and doubts; however, his faith was stronger and bigger than his fears and doubts. So, Abraham moved forward in obedience and trusted the one true God. He made an altar, bound up his son Isaac, and raised up the knife to slay him as a sacrifice, but before the knife touched Isaac’s flesh… God miraculously provided another sacrifice. God saw Abraham’s steadfast faith and deep love for Him. Abraham sought to please God with all his heart and God was well pleased with Abraham’s faith.

Hebrews 11:6 reads:
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

The faith God rewards is a steadfast faith that desperately desires to obey Him. Even though Abraham didn’t understand why God asked for his only son, Abraham obeyed and had the faith that proved his love.

We may not understand why God desires more of us, but we can choose to hold fast to this promise:  that our steadfast faith, which desperately desires to obey God in all things, is well pleasing…  and if we are faithful, God promises to reward us with more of Him.

Journal Question: In what ways is my faith well pleasing to God?

Hope Action: Today, show God your love and devotion for Him by walking in “well-pleasing” faith!