My Isaac

I was still trembling from the birth when they placed our new son on my chest. I remember his daddy's firm hand on his little back as we offered up a prayer of thanksgiving. In that moment we committed to raise this child under our Savior's authority. We didn't know then that four more births and four more dedications would follow. I cherish each one.

This past week has been one of brokenness. The storm that has been raging within my boy did not blow over. I failed to chase the clouds away. There is an ache in my chest. Why God?

A friend shared 2 Timothy 1:12 with me. I have clung to this promise all week. For this reason I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. YOU are keeping my son? YOU are keeping my son. Thank you, Father.

This morning, Wayne preached in a country church almost hidden by the corn fields. The place is filled with a sweet, sweet spirit, it was good medicine for my breaking heart. A woman handed me this poem... How did she know? She didn't. God is good!

Trust Me With Your Isaac

By Beth Moore

For every Abraham who dares

to kiss the foreign field

where glory for a moment grasped

Is for a lifetime tilled .

The voice of God

speaks not but once

but ’til the traveler hears

“Abraham! Abraham! Bring your

Isaac here!”

“Bring not the blemished sacrifice.

What lovest thou the most?

Look not into the distance,

you’ll find your Isaac close.”

“I hear the tearing of your heart

torn between two loves,

the one your vision can behold

the Other hid above.”

“Do you trust me, Abraham

with your gravest fear?

Will you pry your fingers loose

and bring your Isaac here?”

“Have I not made you promises?

Hold them tight instead!

I am the Lover of your soul -

the Lifter of your head.”

“Believe me, O my Abraham

when blinded by the cost.

Arrange the wooded altar

and count your gains but loss.”

“Let tears wash clean your blinded eyes

until unveiled you see -

the ram caught in the thicket there

to set your Isaac free.”

“Perhaps I’ll send him down the mount

to walk right by your side

No longer in your iron grasp

but safer still in mine.”

“Or I may wrap him in the wind

and sweep him from your sight

to better things beyond your reach -

believe with all your might!”

“Look up, beloved Abraham.

Can you count the stars?

Multitudes will stand to reap

from one dear friend of God.”

“Pass the test, my faithful one;

bow to me as Lord.

Trust me with your Isaac -see,

I am your great Reward.”

My Isaac, my son.