I preached Genesis 22:1-14 today at the Shiloh Church. I entitled the message, “Testing Time” (22:1).

The big idea of the sermon was simply that a faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted. God enrolls us in the school of faith to promote us to graduation. But spiritual promotion requires divine testing.

In verse 8, Abraham responds to Isaac’s question by declaring, “God will provide for himself a lamb for the burnt offering.” And when God provided, Abraham named the place, “The Lord will provide” (22:14).

As I talked about the God who provides, I quoted the words of a hymn by Martha A.W. Cook (1806-1874). It is called the “The Lord Will Provide.” I have not heard or sung the hymn. But the lyrics ministered to me all day…

In some way or other the Lord will provide.

It may not be my way, it may not be thy way.

And yet, in His own way, the Lord will provide.

At some time or other, the Lord will provide.

It may not be my time, it may not be thy time.

And yet, in His own time, the Lord will provide.

Despond then no longer, the Lord will provide.

And this be the token – no word He has spoken

Was ever yet broken, The Lord will provide.