God’s command is, “Take now,” not later. It is incredible how we debate! We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later— it must be done now. And the sacrifice must be worked through our will before we actually perform it.

“So Abraham rose early in the morning . . . and went to the place of which God had told him” (Genesis 22:3). Oh, the wonderful simplicity of Abraham! When God spoke, he did not “confer with flesh and blood” (Galatians 1:16). Beware when you want to “confer with flesh and blood” or even your own thoughts, insights, or understandings— anything that is not based on your personal relationship with God. These are all things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.

Abraham did not choose what the sacrifice would be. Always guard against self-chosen service for God. Self-sacrifice may be a disease that impairs your service. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; or even if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential will of God means a hard and difficult time for you, go through it. But never decide the place of your own martyrdom, as if to say, “I will only go to there, but no farther.” God chose the test for Abraham, and Abraham neither delayed nor protested, but steadily obeyed. If you are not living in touch with God, it is easy to blame Him or pass judgment on Him. You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one.

- Oswald Chambers



Prayer:
Lord, help me to live like Abraham did. Help me to truly be able to submit to Your will in perfect trust. If drudgery and ordinary is Your will, Lord I go through it gladly for You will be with me. Let me not be proud that I choose how I think it's best to serve You. Only You know the Kingdom's plans and only You will be able to best use and deploy me that best fits those plans.
So Holy Spirit, guard my heart against pride and against myself. Most importantly against pride, for You despise the proud and haughty. Help me to live a true life that is focused only on God and Christ's Kingdom to come. Help me to live a life that is truly surrendered, in my hearts, thoughts, actions and words. In all that I do, let it for the glory of Christ. It matters not what the world thinks, but only what my Father thinks.
Lord, I need Your grace and strength to live a life worthy of You. Help me. In Jesus name, Amen.