Here. I. Am.

Genesis 22:1 (NIVUK)

Sometime later God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.

Our verse opens the chapter where God puts Abraham to a very severe test. God appears to be asking Abraham to do something which was horrifically common in pagan practice of Abraham's day - to sacrifice one's son. God knows he will not call Abraham to go through with it; God does not want his people to make human sacrifices.

But does Abraham know that? Perhaps not, but then... Notice the verse begins with 'Sometime later'. By now, in his life's walk with God, Abraham has seen miracle after miracle of grace, including his very old wife's pregnancy, and he's heard repeated promises from God that his family will grow through the generations to become a mighty nation and the whole earth will be blessed through his line - which of course included Isaac. At this moment, before he knows what God is about to say, Abraham has built an unwavering trust in God's goodness.

Abraham's 'Here I am' carries in it a readiness to follow God wherever he leads because he knows the outcome will be 'good'.

Here you are at this moment. Have you experienced in your life God's goodness and faithfulness, his kindness and comfort, his strength and support? Yes?

Can you then trust him for tomorrow? Can you say, ‘Here I am, Lord', ready to do, go, be, whatever you ask of me - because I know you are good.' 

He won’t take you anywhere that will harm your soul, deplete your resources or spoil your life. The absolute opposite - he wants to lead you through the rough and the smooth with the certain knowledge that he loves you with undying passion and that nothing, nothing, nothing can take away his eternal favour on your life.

 Prayer - Here I am Lord. I trust your goodness.