Help #5—Teaching Help

Abraham said, “God will see to the lamb for the burnt offering.” … Then Abraham saw behind him a ram caught in the thicket. Abraham took the ram and offered it up in the place of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place “Yahweh Will Provide.” Genesis 22:8, 13–14

Abraham was not always this confident in God. Early in their relationship, he didn’t understand how absolutely trustworthy God is. So when famine came, he left the place God promised for a seemingly better place. Then, to save his skin, he forsook the woman by whom his promised son was to come, letting the king take his wife into his harem. But God rescued him out of this hopelessly helpless situation. Yahweh overcame every obstacle to the receipt of his promises, even Abraham’s unbelief. Rather than just telling Abraham to leave Egypt after God’s intervention, Pharaoh gave him a military escort. Rather than antagonize Abraham, Pharaoh loaded him down with gifts. So he hastened back to Canaan and worshiped. After his return, Abraham was so certain that God would provide for him that he allowed Lot to choose where he wanted to live. He believed God would “see to it” that his needs were met. Later, he refused to receive a reward from Sodom’s king for rescuing his subjects. As a result of the unexpected and miraculous help he experienced in Egypt, Abraham learned what we must learn: namely, that God will provide the help he promises, especially when circumstances look bleakest. After all, as he confirmed through Jesus, he raises the dead.

Faithful God, seeing how you worked with Abraham gives me hope. Work in me so that I will and do what pleases you, no matter how difficult or unreasonable it seems.