Oops of the Day

God tests people to find out how they will react after a difficult time or when he tells them to do a difficult thing.

Genesis 22:1-2 &12  –  Genesis 25:26 – I John 3:20  –  Matthew 10:29-30  –   Isaiah 46:9-10  –   Psalm 139:1-4 & 15-16  –   I Kings 8:39.

Fact of the Day

No!  God knows everything. He knows the past, the present, and the future. He does not dwell in the realm of time. He tests us…
(a) to help us understand ourselves (strengths & weaknesses) better and
(b) to strengthen our spiritual muscles.

Let’s look at Genesis 22 where God told Abraham to sacrifice his son to him and the moment before he would have plunged his knife into the heart of his son.  Many translations report God as saying, “NOW I know you love me most SINCE you did not withhold your son.”  But does the Hebrew say that?

In Hebrew, the word “since” is not there.
In Hebrew, the word “now” is also translated testify of, explain (Exodus 23:2) or respond to a situation (Daniel 5:10).

When God responded to Abraham after stopping him from sacrificing his son, he was saying, “I knew all along you put me first. I knew all along you would not withhold your…only son from me” (Genesis 22:12). In other words, God was saying something like,  “Now you know you are stronger than you thought. I’m so proud of you, Abraham!”