Complete Trust, Absolute Surrender:
The testing of your faith
1. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Galatians 3:6 But Abraham's faith would be tested. He had to act upon what he believed. (Faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26) By faith, Abraham went to the mountains of Moriah just as God had instructed him, and there he unquestioningly prepared to offer up his only begotten son, Isaac. Abraham was able to offer up Isaac because he believed God would raise him from the dead! That's childlike trust in a heavenly Father who is good, and who keeps His word. But it's hard to imagine the absolute surrender of Abraham's heart at that moment. Abraham's relationship with God was being tested to the core.
2. God might take you to that place. But He will do it graciously. He will not test you beyond what you are able to endure. Nevertheless He wants you to come to that place of complete trust, and absolute surrender - so that you can know Him. And you cannot really know God until you know His heart for the world. It is important to God that you know Him this way. He wants to have deep communion with you. He needs you as a friend, because He needs someone who can pray and intercede for the lost. He needs you to know His heart. God wanted Abraham to know His redemptive purpose. (see Romans 8:28-29 in this regard) God was teaching Abraham that someday He would send His only begotten Son to be the perfect sacrifice for sin upon the mountains of Moriah! Remember that Abraham was called the friend of God. There is a reason why he was called that. God has also chosen you to be His friend. The rewards are great indeed. Abraham became the father of all who believe.
4. There are great rewards for this kind of friendship with God. He will declare His heart to you. And He will make you to know His purpose for your life. He will give you the peace of knowing that you are in His will and in His presence. You can have unbroken fellowship with Him. You will indeed know Him as a friend and as a Father who takes you by the hand and leads you into deep joy.
5. Don't be surprised when trials come. It is God's purpose to mature you for greater usefulness in His kingdom. Abraham had to believe with childlike simplicity that God was good, that God loved him, and that God would keep His word. With that kind of faith Abraham could face any challange.
And he was (Abraham) called the friend of God. (James 2:23b)