A Test of Character
August 26, 2025
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Have you ever had a difficult or confusing experience in which your faith was tested?
In Genesis chapter 22, we read that God asked a great hero of our faith, Abraham, to
do the unimaginable—offer up his long-awaited son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. At first
glance, it seems difficult to reconcile this request with what we know about the Lord’s
character. How could a God who is entirely holy, upright, loving, and good ask such a
thing? And what’s more—the Bible tells us that God promised to bless Abraham through
Isaac, saying, “Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will
establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after
him” (Genesis 17:19). In asking Abraham to surrender his beloved son, was not God
going back on His promise?
Genesis 22:1 offers clarity, as it includes an important detail of this story. It reads,
“Some time later God tested Abraham.” God’s request was a test, one that He would
use to achieve His purposes—which are always good! The plan was not to reveal
Abraham’s true character to God, but rather, to reveal God’s true character to
Abraham—reaffirming that He could be counted on as a faithful provider and promise
keeper.
This story invites us to follow Abraham’s example in exercising unwavering faith in God,
even when it doesn’t make sense. When we do, we too will find God’s character to be
tested, trustworthy, and true!
Read, Reflect, Write:
Read Genesis 22. Can you think of a time in which your faith was tested? If so, how did God
use that circumstance to reveal Himself to you?
Read Hebrews 11:17-19. What helped Abraham to obey God, even when God made a difficult
and confusing request? How can Abraham’s example help you to exercise obedience even
during challenges in your life?
Read James 1:2-4. According to this passage, what does the testing of faith produce?