God Knows Before It Happens

In Genesis 22 we read the account of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, at the Lord's instructions. Before Abraham brings down his knife to end Isaac's life the Lord stops him and provides a ram to be sacrificed in Isaac's place. The part of the story that stood out to me today was the blessing that followed. 

"By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies." 

This was not the first time that this blessing was heard (see Genesis 12:1–3). But this time the reason for the blessing is explained:

"because you have done this thing"

It's because of Abraham's obedience that God blesses him the way He does. 

This stood out to me because it demonstrates how God is in control, He knows how all events will play out, and He will bless those who He has called. 

God is able to make a promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 because He knows the obedience of Abraham in Genesis twenty-two. He also knows the missteps of Abraham in chapter 12 and 20 when Abraham introduced Sarah as his sister. 

God knows the journey of those who He's called--who identify as His children. He knows the areas in which we will struggle. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He knows our ultimate obedience and our ultimate reward in heaven. We know many of the areas in which we struggle. Wouldn't it be wise to surrender those areas to Him today?

The point that stood out to me was the fact that God knows the blessing He has for us before we're ready to receive it. 

My advice to my family today as we read this was: Let's be intentional on readying ourselves for His blessing. Let's surrender the areas in which we struggle. Let's be intentional and surrender them to the Lord so that we can experience the blessings He has for us.