Isaac: The Unlikely Heir

Isaac’s name first appears in the “Hall of Faith” (Hebrews 11) in the context of God’s command to Abraham to sacrifice him.  Isaac was not a young boy when this incident occurred. He was a young man, who could have easily overpowered or run away from his 100-plus-year-old-father.  Instead, Isaac submitted to Abraham. And he would certainly remember God’s provision of a ram that died in his place for the remainder of his days!

Isaac learned that the Lord can be trusted to keep His promises even in what may appear to us as a hopeless situation. These lessons equipped Isaac to believe God even when he thought all hope was gone.

We need to place our future in God’s hands.  That doesn’t mean we don’t plan and pursue our dreams, but we place those dreams on the altar and willingly offer them to God. We yield our future to God in faith, confident that he will keep his promises to bless us even if it means the sacrifice of our “Isaac”—our dearest relationship or dream. We live in obedience to God and trust Him to work in the situations of life to accomplish what He desires.

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Sarah: Mother of Nations

This is my wife’s birthday month, so I wanted to honor her with the first Hero of Faith–a Mom who became a mother to the people of Israel: Sarah.

In our day of fast food, microwaves, and e-mail, we have readily adopted the concept of having our needs met immediately.  Waiting is something we struggle with now more than ever.

Sadly, this fast pace of life frequently affects our prayer life.  If we see no evidence of answered prayer in a few days or weeks, many of us are ready to give up.  Or we cry out, “Where are you, God?”

That’s why we should consider the life of Sarah—who waiting many years to have the desire of her heart become a reality.

Hebrews 11:11 emphasizes Sarah’s faith: “By faith even Sarah herself received the ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.”

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