The Power of We

Just a day before Thanksgiving I received a phone call from my doctor. She was calling to report the results of a recent CT scan to me.

​Knowing that a personal phone call, late at night just before a holiday, signified something important, I held my breath and listened. “A large mass…on your kidney…consistent with renal cell carcinoma…” I struggled to maintain focus on her words. I scribbled down the information she gave me regarding referrals and follow up care, and thanked her for her call. She caught me off guard when she finished the call with, “Call me if you need me, we will get through this.”

In Genesis 22:5, as Abraham and Isaac and the servants headed up the hill, the story unfolds: “He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you (emphasis mine).”  Abraham knew that God’s directions to him were piercingly specific. Take Isaac, whom you love, and sacrifice him. 

Without delay, Abraham obeyed. He packed up quickly, assembled a travel party for the three day journey, and obeyed the Lord. Abraham heard God’s promise that Isaac would be his special heir and now he was being asked to kill him. Knowing all this, he showed great faith when he told the servants, “we will be back.” He believed that God would make a way for both he and his son to survive this trial. ​

The Bible gives us only a brief glimpse into the conversation between Abraham and Isaac as they journeyed up the hill. Isaac inquired about the sacrifice, and Abraham responded that God would provide a sheep for the burnt offering. As they walked along, the old man carried what he could carry–the fire and the knife, while the young man carried the wood meant for his own sacrifice upon his back. In many Bibles this passage has a bold heading with something like “Abraham’s Faith Tested.” In reality, the faith of Abraham and Isaac was tested. In Genesis 22:9, we see Abraham tying Isaac and placing him on the altar on top of the wood. Isaac who was much younger and stronger than Abraham could have bested his dad in a physical match of strength. He could have escaped the ropes and the altar. But he did not. He willingly allowed himself to be placed as a sacrifice on an altar. 

God is with us in difficult times. He does not leave us alone when the situation looks grim and the future is unknown. God shows up in surprising ways during troublesome times and trusting Him through tough times can build your faith. 

Facing an uncertain diagnosis, I place myself in the Lord’s care. I earnestly desire for God to show up in miraculous ways for me. At the same time, I know that God has provided a support system of people who love me and support me. We will get through this health trial and praise Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD who provides.

What is the hard thing you are facing right now? What situation has popped up that does not make sense? Be encouraged by the example of Abraham and Isaac. Trust that God will provide in ways only He can. 

“Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.” Genesis 22:8 (NIV)

About the Author

Hi, I’m Dana Schaefer! Along with my husband and children, we make our home in northwest Georgia. I currently work as an Academic Dean at Heritage Bible College and am pursuing a doctoral degree. I love digging deeper into the Bible and finding encouragement, understanding, and truth to share with others. I love sunrises at the beach, rooibos tea, and crossword puzzles!