“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” — Hebrews 10:35-36

Abraham is remembered as a man of great faith. One day God spoke to him with a command that must have pierced his heart: “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you” (Genesis 22:2).

Abraham obeyed. But as they climbed the mountain, Isaac noticed something missing odd.“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” ( vv 7).

Until that moment Abraham had remained resolute. Yet this simple question could easily have shaken his confidence and caused him to doubt the path he was walking. Still, he answered with quiet trust: “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together” ( vv 8).

The questions Abraham faced are the same ones that confront us when we step out in obedience to God’s call. “Are you sure this is the right decision?” You may hear a voice of doubt.

“Why don’t you have all the resources yet?” Another may tease you! “What if you fail?”Voices of discouragement pound at the door of our hearts, trying to make us turn back.

Jesus knew these voices well. When He spoke of His coming death and resurrection, even one of His closest disciples became a mouthpiece of doubt. But Jesus answered firmly: “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23). He refused to let discouragement derail the mission His Father had given Him.

Abraham, too, refused to turn aside. And just as he raised the knife, the Lord stopped him: “Do not lay a hand on the boy… Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son” (Genesis 22:12)

Perhaps you, too, are on a path you know God has called you to walk. The voices of doubt and discouragement are rising and loud. Do not throw away your confidence. Keep your eyes fixed on the One who called you. Just as Abraham’s faith was rewarded, so will yours be.

Reflection: Have I allowed the spirit of discouragement to pull me away from the mission God has given me?

Prayer: Almighty Father God, my eyes are set on You. I refuse to surrender to any voice of discouragement that would turn me from the purpose You have called me to. Strengthen my faith and keep me steadfast. In Jesus’ name I pray!