The Greatest Sacrifice

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

After years of praying for a child, Abraham finally had the son for which he’d always longed. Isaac, the child whose name meant “laughter,” brought so much joy to his father’s heart. From his first gurgles and coos, Isaac confirmed God’s promise to listen and act on his people’s behalf.

Then Abraham received another call to go where he was told. This one was so different, so dark, so heartbreaking. This time, God wasn’t asking Abraham to let go of his familiar surroundings, his group of friends, or his homeland. He was asking Abraham to lay his own heart on the altar, to give up the boy he loved best of all.

How could Abraham do this? Genesis 22 tells us that Abraham trusted God one small step at a time. He got up in the morning. He saddled his donkey. He cut wood. He walked along the road. He did the small things that needed to be done, trusting that the one who had led him thus far would lead him through this most challenging act of faith.

Just like Abraham, God has called you to a difficult task—to live and grow with grief. God has asked you to trust his mysterious wisdom and plan, to walk by faith and not by sight through the darkest valley of the shadow of death. How can you walk this hard road of obedience? The same way Abraham did—one small step at a time.

Today, as you grieve your loss, take it slow. Get out of bed. Dress for work. Unload the dishwasher. Take a shower. Whatever simple task you can complete, do it with the energy God gives. Each of these seemingly small tasks becomes an act of trust when offered to God. While you go about the mundane routines of your day, remember Abraham’s words: “God will provide a lamb.” God will honor your fragile obedience, your timid faith. He will give you all that you need. He will lead you in perfect love toward life, one small step at a time.

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

A Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m not sure how to keep going each day. I’m tired from the tasks of grief. I’m weary from the emotions of my loss. Like Abraham, I don’t know what you’re doing or why. I wish this road of sorrow wasn’t so hard. But I trust that you know what it means to watch a loved one die. You understand my grief, not only as a companion but as my God, my guide, and the lifter of my head. Give me the strength to meet this day and all it holds. Empower me to step forward in faith and do the things that need to be done. I choose to trust your wisdom, even when I cannot understand your plan. Amen.

An Activity for Today: Whether you’re dealing with brain fog from grief or you’re overwhelmed with the tasks before you, today engage in list making to help order your next steps. On the lines below, write out self-care tasks that need to be completed. Tasks might include showering, brushing your teeth, getting a haircut, or painting your nails. Next, choose three that you’ll complete today. Your body needs to be your first priority in grief. Enlist a friend if you need help getting these items done. You can tackle other hard assignments another day. For today, be like Abraham and get up, saddle your donkey, and cut your wood.

A Song to Encourage Your Heart: “Holy Is the Lord” by Andrew Peterson