Amazing Faith

     I recently did a Bible study on faith. I was struck by two stories. One, was that of Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifice. (Genesis 22:1-14) The other was of Hannah, who patiently prayed to God to grant her a son. (1 Samuel 1:7-20) In these passages we see faith displayed and tested in two different ways. Abraham had, and was required to give away. Hannah didn't have, and prayed to God to receive what she desired. Both Abraham's and Hannah's faith were tested. How much would you really sacrifice to God? How much of your life would you be willing to give to God? 

     God told Abraham to sacrifice his own son, whom he loved dearly. Abraham trusted that God would provide a replacement sacrifice for Isaac. But he knew that even if God didn't, Abraham would still obey his God. That is amazing faith! On the other hand, Hannah didn't have a son. For years she had desired a child, while her husband’s other wife bore him many children. How long would you faithfully ask God for what you want before you give up? Hannah knew that God said to tell Him our needs. To continuously go to Him in prayer. And so she did. Year after year after year. Who's faith wouldn't waver after such a long time? Who wouldn't begin to doubt whether God was listening, or whether he even existed at all! But Hannah continued to trust God, and he rewarded her with a son, Samuel. God wants us to trust Him. He wants us to understand that his plans are far greater than our own. And so we need to have faith. God can and will do marvelous things in our lives if we only trust Him. Faith can move mountains.