Read: Genesis 22:1-14

In the world you will have
tribulation. -John 16:33

All of us hope that we will be the exception to Jesus’
words, “In the world you will have tribulation” (Jn.
16:33). But if we realize that hardship may be our
Father’s wise plan for our lives, we will not be
surprised and shocked when painful difficulty or tragedy
occurs.

William Sangster (1900-1960), the noted English
preacher, visited a young girl in the hospital at a time
when doctors were struggling in vain to keep her from
becoming blind. With sadness she said to him, “God is
going to take away my sight.” He listened but at first
made no reply. Then he answered compassionately, “Don’t
let Him, Jessie. Give it to Him.” “I don’t
understand,” she responded. So he explained, “Try to
pray this prayer: ‘Father if I must lose my sight, help
me to give it to You.'”

If we know that a loved one will probably die, or if
we are told that we may be permanently disabled, let us
give it to God as a love-offering. As Abraham
surrendered his precious son Isaac on Mount Moriah
(Gen. 22:1-14), so let us pray, “Father, I am not
clinging fiercely to this cherished person or this rich
blessing that has temporarily been mine. I am grateful
to You for lending me this life-enriching good, but now
I freely give it to You.”
Vernon C. Grounds

Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood,
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long. -Young

GOD DESIGNS WHAT WE GO THROUGH;
WE DECIDE HOW WE GO THROUGH IT.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.