A Test of a Lifetime

Last night late my parents called to share some tragic news and to provide me with some encouragement in our family goals. I learned that a friend's son had been struggling with headaches for the past week or so and had sought medical help. Yesterday he had a severe headache and decided to stay home from church while his expecting wife and 3 children went. When they returned home, he was in a coma. He was pronounced brain-dead last night, and today a medical team will give life to others with the donation of his organs. My heart mourns for this sudden, tragic loss of a father, husband, brother, and son.

Now if this were the only event that my friend's family had experienced it would be tragic. Yet over the past year, a Grandmother has passed away, a newborn child has passed away, and a horrific car accident took place that broke bones but didn't take any life. Our family friend has suffered. They seek the balm of Gilead to heal and repair their hearts and wounds.

Day 5 of our Advent

Abraham passed tests throughout his lifetime. He was to be sacrificed by his father. His wife was sought by the Egyptian court. Sarai and he ached because of infertility. He lived in Canaan, a desert that was not very desirable. Abraham and Sarah's miracle son was asked to be a sacrifice. Abraham's difficulties are written (Abraham 1:7-12; Genesis 20:1-12; Genesis 15; Genesis 17:4-8; Genesis 22:2.)

Source

A miracle occurs in each of his trials because of his faith in Jesus Christ. He is saved from death. His wife is protected. They have a son. The desert produced for him and made him a wealthy man. A ram is found in the bush for the sacrifice. God talks to Abraham and teaches him that Abraham's willingness to sacrifice is similar to the God's real sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Source

Abraham showed his faith in God's plan by acting. He struggled, cried, and went forward to be obedient. Our family friend has faith in Jesus Christ also and hopefully through their trials they will cling to the promises God gives that all will be made well in the end. Through Abraham's and our friend's struggles, they know that they can trust in Jesus Christ. Barbara Thompson said:

Our testimonies fortify us and strengthen us as we face challenges in our daily lives. Some people struggle with difficult health problems; some experience financial problems; others have challenges in their marriage or with their children; some suffer from loneliness or unfulfilled hopes and dreams. It is our testimony, combined with our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and our knowledge of the plan of salvation, which helps to get us through these times of trial and hardship. Source

 I hope that each of us will take strength from Abraham and Isaac's example and go forward with faith.