Genesis 22:2:
“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
When we read this verse, it’s hard not to stop and wonder, Why would God ask this of Abraham?
After all, Isaac was the son God had promised to Abraham and Sarah—the child they had waited so long for. In Genesis 21, God had confirmed that Isaac was the one through whom the covenant would continue and the Jesus would come through. But now, just one chapter later, God tells Abraham to take that very promise and sacrifice it.
At first glance, this might seem like a contradiction. How could God fulfill His promise if Abraham sacrificed Isaac? But Abraham didn’t hesitate. He obeyed, trusting that God could do the impossible. Hebrews 11:17-19 explains that Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead if necessary.
This story teaches us something important: God’s promises are gifts, not possessions. He gives them to us freely, but they are ultimately His. Sometimes, He tests whether we trust Him more than the blessings He provides.
God’s Promises Are His to Give
Isaac wasn’t just any son—he was a miracle. Abraham and Sarah were far beyond the age of having children, but God had promised them a son. In Genesis 18:14, God declared, “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” And true to His word, Isaac was born.
It’s easy to imagine how much Abraham loved Isaac. He wasn’t just a child; he was the physical proof of God’s faithfulness. Isaac represented everything Abraham had hoped for. But even though Isaac was the promise, he still belonged to God.
When we receive blessings from God—whether it’s a relationship, a job, or even a ministry—it’s easy to forget where they came from. We can start to think of them as ours. But every promise and every blessing we have comes from God’s hand, and they still belong to Him.
The Test of Surrender
In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to give back the very promise He had given. This wasn’t about God changing His mind. It was about proving to Abraham how much he trusted God.
Abraham didn’t argue. He didn’t delay. He rose early the next morning, took Isaac, and began the journey to Moriah. Can you imagine what went through his mind during those three days? Every step must have been a battle between his love for his son and his trust in God. But Abraham had faith that God would keep His word, no matter what.
Hebrews 11:17-19 tells us that Abraham “offered up his only begotten son… accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.”
Abraham believed that even if he sacrificed Isaac, God could bring him back to life. That’s how much Abraham trusted the Promise-Giver.
Holding Blessings Loosely
One of the greatest dangers we face in our faith is holding onto God’s blessings so tightly that they take the place of God Himself. Isaac could have easily become an idol in Abraham’s life. But by being willing to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham showed that his faith was in God, not in the promise.
This is a lesson for all of us. Are we willing to give back the things we value most if God asks us to? Whether it’s a relationship, a career, or a dream, we have to trust that God knows what He’s doing. He may not always ask us to literally give it up, but He does want our hearts to be fully surrendered to Him.
What’s your Isaac? Is there something in your life that you’ve started to hold onto so tightly that it’s become more important than God? It could be a job, a relationship, or even a ministry.
God’s promises are good, but they’re not meant to replace Him. Sometimes, He allows us to go through tests to remind us that He’s the one in control. When we surrender His blessings back to Him, it shows that our trust is in Him, not the gift.
God’s promises are gifts, not possessions. He gives them to us freely, but they are ultimately His. The story of Abraham and Isaac shows us that true faith is willing to surrender everything to God, trusting that He will fulfill His promises in His way and in His time.
Abraham passed the test because he believed in the God who gave the promise. And just as God provided a ram in place of Isaac, He provides for us today. We can trust Him to take care of what we surrender to Him, knowing that He is faithful.
So, when God asks for your “Isaac,” will you trust Him enough to let it go?
