December 9
“The Choice”
Genesis 22:1-14
– Taylor Gibson, Women’s Ministry Associate
What we think about grows. In our world today we are seeing an increasing mental health crisis, especially among young adults. “Our brain does not control us; we control our brain through our thinking and choosing”. When a negative thought comes to mind and we continue to think on it, it often leads feelings of anxiety, depression, or worry. Instead, we should think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, excellent, worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8). When we shift our thoughts to gratitude for what God has done, our outlook shifts. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us pray with thanksgiving and present our requests to God and we will have the peace of God.
Take a few minutes and write down the ways God has provided for you:
Write a prayer of thanksgiving, praising God for what He has done in your life.
Read Genesis 22:1-14
Abraham and his wife Sarah struggled for many years to have a child. Isaac was the child they had longed for and prayed for. How do you think Abraham was able to take his son, Isaac, to be a sacrifice?
Is there anything God is asking you to sacrifice for Him?
Is there anything you wouldn’t be able to sacrifice for Him? How does this verse make you feel about Him?
Abraham trusted God and knew that He would provide (v. 8), no matter what that looked like. Now consider that Jesus was sacrificed, for you and for me. The comfort of Christmas is that God is with us. He is there in the small and seemingly insignificant things and in the large and life changing things. God will never ask you to go anywhere He hasn’t already gone. “The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you.” (Deuteronomy 1:30). Jesus is the evidence.
God will ask you to do hard things. Do you trust Him?
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
What is one prayer request you remember God answering this year?
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