Sunday, July 31, 2011

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.

4 comments:

  1. This is beautiful! I *love* to see God's lovingkindness and mercy in those must-be-from-Him moments and messages!

    And we've been through quite a few storms raging in our girls over the years. I remember watching my oldest's first major spiritual "battle" over the period of a week when she was just five! I thought anyone else would think I was crazy if I told them that's what was going on with her at that age. But I knew the exact moment the battle started...she said "No" to the Lord on something - out loud, even - and I was there when she submitted quietly later that week and prayed she'd do whatever God told her to do. It was her first restful night in days. And mine!

    *Praying* for you both!

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  2. I've never been a big Beth Moore fan, but what a beautiful poem. The Abraham/Issac analogy is just perfect.

    On our knees for you and with you this week.

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  3. Hold tight those promises. Praying for you and yours, Reagan.

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  4. Yay! I love Beth Moore, and Jesus (more), and the name Isaac. :)

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