What is Your Isaac?

What would you do if God asked you to offer a heart-wrenching sacrifice?

God asked Abraham to do the unthinkable, sacrifice his most cherished possession, Isaac, on an altar to God. How Abraham must have been in torment those 3 days traveling to Mount Mariah. But he trusted God and knew he loved God even more than his beloved son.

Has God ever asked you to sacrifice?

If suddenly, God asked you to sell all your earthly goods and move to a foreign country and work as a missionary? Would you, do it?

That was us in 2005 when we felt called to the mission field. I had moved many times with my military linguist/golf pro/full-time Christian service husband. That included six wonderful years in Europe, so I loved adventure, meeting new people, and adapting to different cultures.

Giving up worldly goods was no problem. Twice we’ve sold everything we owned to travel the country in our RV. We thought we’d be perfect candidates to relocate overseas and serve the Lord.

There was only one deterrent. We discovered we’d have to give up our dogs. Would I be willing to do that??? After all, our pooches were family! Every time I gazed upon our sweet Cocker and ornery Lhasa, my eyes filled with tears. Oh, my dear God, please don’t ask that of me. Who would love them as much as we would – especially stubborn Jewel?

Each time, while walking our dogs, I prayed – my heart struggling over this sacrifice. During that time, however, we continued with the application.

Finally, I reconciled what I needed to do. Alright, LORD, I love you more than my precious pets. I’ll trust you’ll find a caring home with someone who will love them as much as we do.

Immediately, I felt at peace about my decision and eagerly anticipated the Mission Agency’s acceptance letter.

BOOM, the door closed!

“I’m sorry,” they replied, “but the Board feels you’re too old . . .”  Too OLD? How dare they?! We were in perfect health and only in our mid-50s! I’ll never be too OLD!!! Even at 100!!!

Then it dawned on me, this was my Isaac. God wanted to know where He stood in my life. My pets were my most cherished possessions. I was ready to sacrifice my Isaac to Him.

What is your Isaac? What is your most cherished possession? To some it’s their lifestyle, sports, business, money . . .  how about food? Ridiculous, you say? Not so fast.

Have you attended Sunday services simply for the coffee and donut social hour or after church luncheon? Have you looked at your watch and thought, wish he’d stop preaching before it’s too crowded at the restaurant!? Or: hope my pot roast hasn’t dried out by now.

“Their God was their belly. Their mind was set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)

So, think of it this way: are you willing to present your body as a living sacrifice in every aspect of your life – including what you eat?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

God sacrificed His Son for you. Is it a sacrifice limiting sugary sweets, fattening processed foods, bacon cheeseburgers . . .? Isn’t honoring our earthly temple by sacrificing unhealthy food a small sacrifice compared to what God sacrificed for us?

Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37)

Do you love God more than your belly? Silly question.

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