Yesterday, we had a visiting pastor, Robert Mobley. Like many, I often wonder if I should attend when our regular pastor is absent. However, I decided to go, and I’m so glad I did.
Lately, my anxiety has been relatively high, and I’ve been struggling with negative self-talk that isn’t helpful.
The pastor focused on Genesis 22:1-14, dissecting the passage line by line. This scripture tells the story of Abraham taking Isaac up the mountain to sacrifice him.
Genesis 22:1-4 New International Version
Abraham Tested
22 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
3 Early the next morning, Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
Abraham took Isaac and headed up the mountain. He didn’t worry, debate, or question; he went forward. Abraham could have backed out and not followed God’s advice, but he stepped ahead with faith. As the story goes on, Isaac is spared.
While Abraham and Isaac ascended one side of the mountain, a ram ascended the other. The ram was to be the sacrifice. I LOVE this! When we climb mountains, we often have no idea what God has orchestrated on the other side. Abraham didn’t know the outcome; his faith was being tested, yet he remained available. He said, “Here I am, Lord; what do you need?”
God continuously meets our needs. We must keep pressing on. Isn’t that amazing?
I have experienced significant anxiety about Endure the Dirt, including concerns about participation, sponsorship, and everything in between. But yesterday, I told myself, “No, I can do this.” I started by texting a friend to pray for me and then went to church, where I received the uplifting message. I felt so much better. God provided.
So, this week, whenever you feel anxious, think you are alone, or struggle to remember how to take just one step forward, take that step and trust that God will provide.
To get there, we must do the following:
1. **Show up for JESUS** – Start your day in the Word.
2. **Show up for OTHERS** – Serve others, whether they are like you or not, whether they annoy you or you don’t understand them. That is what Jesus did; He showed up for EVERYONE.
3. **Show up for YOU**—You need to fill your cup before you can help fill others’ cups. We will find joy when we show up for Jesus, others, and ourselves.
Have a great week, Love to ALL! Cupcake
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