by Heather Endicott

Mountain Path, North Whales by Gomer Lewis

How truly terrifying it must have been for Abraham as he walked up the mountain to follow God’s command and sacrifice his only son on the altar. I can only imagine the questions Abraham was asking the Lord along the journey and the heartbreak of giving up his son, whom he loved.

Yet Abraham trusted the Lord! He knew that God would provide a way. Even when Isaac asks where the lamb is, Abraham replies,

“God himself will provide the lamb.” -Genesis 22:8

He knew that he could put his trust in God’s love, so he willingly placed his son on the altar.

And the Lord did provide! Not only in providing a ram in replacement for Isaac, but ultimately in providing Jesus Christ in replacement for us.

“My body will rest secure, because you will Not Abandon Me!” -Psalm 16: 10

Sometimes it is truly terrifying to follow Christ and obey his commands. It means denying the things of this world and walking a path full of challenges and roadblocks. But Paul would go on to remind us,

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all.” -Romans 8: 31-32

Therefore,

Nothing, “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8: 39

So we too must be willing to lay down our own flesh and bones, the things we cherish most, and trust in the Lord. During this lenten season, we are reminded of Jesus’s command to

“Deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me!” -Mark 8: 34

While this call may seem daunting, we can rest secure because God will provide! He will not abandon us. For nothing can separate us from the love of Christ! Therefore, we can take up our crosses and follow him!

Heather Endicott is a Greenville native and member of the Village Family. She is currently serving as a missionary teacher at the International Christian School of Budapest working with missionary and third culture kids living in Budapest, Hungary. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys singing as much as possible.

Lent Day 12