God’s provision is on the other side of obedience
And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a bush by its horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. – Genesis 22:13
On day 17 of 75 days in Faith, we will discuss the powerful story of Abrahams obedience to God despite his lack of provision.
Abrahams journey of faith, and obedience is one of the most powerful examples of trusting God even when we don’t see all the details.
God promised Abraham that he would have a son named Isaac, and that Abraham would be the father of many nations.
But Abraham and his wife, Sarah, faced a difficult challenge, Sarah was barren and well beyond childbearing age.
But despite the circumstances, Abraham believed God’s promise, and continued to walk in Faith!
And after 25 years of waiting, God fulfilled His promise, and Isaac was born when Abraham was 100, and Sarah was 90.
As his son Isaac grew older, Abraham’s Faith, and obedience would be tested again; but this time in an unimaginable way.
God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the very son who had been the fulfillment of God’s word.
In Genesis 22, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. He didn’t question God or argue.
He simply obeyed…
But as Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac at the peak of Mount Mariah, God intervened.
Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in a bush, a substitute offering provided by God…
This ram was not there by happenstance, it was God’s provision on the other side of Abrahams obedience.
Key Takeaways…
1. Obedience comes before Provision Abraham obeyed before he saw the provision. Many times, we wait for the breakthrough, the promise, or the provision to come before we take action. But God often asks us to step out in obedience first, trusting that He will provide. Just as Abraham didn’t see the ram until after his obedience, sometimes our breakthrough comes on the other side of our obedience. 2. God’s Timing is Perfect Abraham’s obedience was not just about trust in the command, but also in God’s timing. Abraham could not have known that God was already preparing the ram in the bush. In the same way, you may not see how God is working behind the scenes in your life, but trust that His timing is perfect. What may seem like a delay is often God’s perfect plan unfolding. 3. Testing Your Faith and Obedience God sometimes tests us with difficult instructions to deepen our trust and strengthen our Faith. Abraham had already walked by faith for years, but this test pushed him to a new level of obedience. In your own life, God may ask you to take steps that seem risky or even impossible. The key is trusting that God knows what He’s doing and that He will provide. 4. God Provides What We Need When we obey, even in the most difficult circumstances, God is already preparing the way for provision for us. Whether it’s finances, a breakthrough, or guidance, God has a “ram” waiting for you at just the right moment. You may not always see it, but He has already made a way. 5. Obedience Is an Act of Worship! Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac was an act of deep worship and surrender. His obedience wasn’t just about following commands; it was about honoring God and trusting Him fully. When we obey, we worship God with our actions. True faith leads to surrender and trust, even when we don’t fully understand.
Homework for the day…
What is God asking you to do today that requires a step of obedience? Is there a promise you’ve been waiting for, but God is calling you to act before you see the breakthrough?
Remember, there is always a ram in the bush on the other side of obedience. Trust that God is faithful to provide, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You completely, even when Your commands seem difficult or unclear.
Please strengthen my faith to obey, knowing that You have already prepared the provision I need. May my obedience honor You, and lead me to the breakthrough You’ve promised.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.