By Nancy Virden (c)2025

Abraham faced the most mind-boggling and heart-breaking test of his faith. The Almighty God, in whom Abraham believed, had asked him to sacrifice (kill) his son Isaac on an altar. Abraham agreed, forcing his mind to walk in obedience. However, he loved his son, and having already lost his firstborn, who was forced to leave due to Abraham’s and his wife Sarah’s sin, he naturally did not want Isaac’s death.

Abraham reasoned, in alignment with his trust, that God could raise the dead. He and Isaac set out to climb the mountain where they were supposed to go.

God already knew what Abraham would do. No one can surprise God. Nevertheless, God wanted Abraham to feel it, to experience the anguish of difficult obedience, so his faith would be refined, like gold, which is made pure in a furnace.

Abraham had the knife raised and was about to follow through with the order when God, who had never intended for Isaac to die this way, stopped Abraham’s hand. I’m not sure whether father or son was the most relieved! Earlier, as they climbed the mountain, Isaac had inquired as to what the sacrifice would be. Abraham had replied that God would provide.

And there, in the thicket, was a ram caught by its horns. Abraham and Isaac sacrificed it in happy worship and thanksgiving to a merciful God.

A few years ago, I adopted the philosophy that God provides when we are obedient. By taking stock of what I already have, God has provided “rams” while creative ideas flow to solve a material problem.

Some examples: beautiful chair coverings out of scrap fabrics; new pillows from colorful cloth napkins; whole, delicious, new meals from leftovers; wallpaper on cardboard boxes for lovely storage containers; selling good, used items for extra cash; taping a hair dryer to a broomstick to thaw icicles; and many more ideas have saved or created money.

What is your ram-in-the-thicket? We pray for God to provide, and perhaps He already has. He may be waiting for you to take your eyes off stores and spending, and wanting to show what you can do. Look about and see what you find that can meet your needs today.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Genesis 22:13-14

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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