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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

We all know that story. Abraham heard the voice of God asking him to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering by taking him to the mountains and killing him.  However traumatic or troubling the story was, we still find out in the end that it is simply a lesson about one thing and one thing only. Obedience.

12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” (Gen. 22:11-12)

Read the newer version of the translated verse and see how much it has changed by changing the word FEAR to TRUST.

12The angel said, “Don’t kill your son or hurt him in any way. Now I can see that you trust God and that you have not kept your son, your only son, from me.” (Gen. 22:12, New Century Version)

What came afterwards is what GOD will do for Abraham simply for obeying His will…

[15] The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time [16] and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, [17] I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, [18] and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

I’m sure you know that for every commandment that God asks, He also provides a blessing right after it.   It’s like saying, if you do this – I will do this. That is how God commands us.

A sister in Christ (let’s call her Nelly) was telling me a story about a blessing she received simply by obeying God’s commandment. Nelly hasn’t worked for over 12 years.   She has totally offered her life to serve God.  Somehow she has survived. Little donations here and there, gifts abound – - and she hasn’t begged for any support at all. Nelly is truly a living proof that God provides.

Anyway, even though Nelly has survived, she still has to manage finances. If a gift is given to her, she makes sure that 10% of that gift goes directly to the church.  That is her promise to God.

One day, she received a gift of $500.00 from an anonymous donor to help her out with her expenses. She was very glad to have received the gift.  She was in church (she goes to church daily) when she thought she felt a prompting in her heart to call one of her friends (let’s call her Elizabeth)  and tellher  that God wants her to have the $500.00  Nelly received.  Nelly thought, “God, that seems a little too much. Can I bargain with you? How about $250.00?”, Nelly responded. But the prompting still said $500.00. “How about $300.00?”, Nelly continued to ask. “No, $500.00.” was the answer.

She finally gave in and said, “Alright Lord, I will call Elizabeth and give her $500.00.”

When Nelly got home, she immediately called Elilzabeth.  Elizabeth’s roommate answered the phone and said, “She’s not at home right now but I’m glad you called.  She quit her job recently and has decided to go back to school full-time.  She’s currently in school.”

“Sure,” Nelly replied. “Have her call me please when she gets home.”  **Click**

Nellly thought, “Maybe that’s why God wants me to give the money to Elizabeth.  She lost her job and probably needs the money to help her pay the rent or whatever. Now, I understand.”  At least she thought so.

When Nelly received the call back from Elizabeth later that evening, she understood what it was all about. It turns out that Elizabeth (for some personal reason, I cannot disclose the reason why) is now financially set for life. When Nelly told her that she was calling her to give her $500.00 because that is what God asked her to do, Elizabeth was touched and said… “Now, I know that you are a true friend indeed. You have always been by my side whenever I needed help. You were always there to cheer me up. I am set for life now and I would not need the $500.00 you have for me.  Keep it. And in the meantime, I’m planning a European cruise next year and I would like to take you – ALL EXPENSES PAID. This, as a gesture of thanks to your friendship.”

Imagine that! The real lesson there is this – - Are you willing to accept God’s grace and his infinite mercy? – - If so, all you have to do is ‘trust’ and ‘obey’ Him.

God Bless you my friends and I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!!

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