*The people mentioned in this blog are real, however names have been changed for their protection. Heheh kidding! (Nah, but for real, I changed their names, and it really is for their protection. 😀 )
Genesis 22: 1-3
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac.
Sometimes, God asks us to give up the thing we love the most, as a test, like in this passage in Genesis. God doesn’t test us so He can sit back and watch if we will pass or fail, He tests us to transform our hearts.
My friend Gertrude in China is an incredible worshipper. Very recently her guitar snapped, and she had been praying for a new one. Of course, I was bummed for her, but I knew God would provide for her…I just didn’t think He would use me.
The last morning we were with our contacts before leaving for Beijing, we worshipped together. I let Gertrude use my guitar for the morning, and after worship we had great conversation. At one point, I looked over and saw my guitar sitting in her stand, and my heart immediately jumped into my throat.
“Nooooooo way, Lord. I have GOT to be hearing You wrong. I can’t give up my guitar…You told me you want me to learn to play, remember? I just wrote a song THIS week!”
As the day went on, I just couldn’t shake this feeling that I needed to give Gertrude my guitar. So I prayed and gave my guitar back to God.
“God, this isn’t even my guitar, it is Your guitar. You gave it to me to hold. So whoever You want to hold it is what I will do. Who do You want to hold it?”
God pressed on my heart how much He loves Gertrude and desires to give her a special blessing. He made it clear that my turn holding this particular guitar was over, and asked me to pass it on in joy and love to my new friend.
Gertrude helped me carry my guitar all the way to the train station, and before we all said our goodbyes, I pulled her aside, and gave her my guitar. The look on her face, and the pure joy and excitement in her eyes brought me such joy in giving her this gift! Blessings are so exciting! Ahh!!!
Throughout and after this process of being obedient, God even spoke to three individuals to tell them that I was supposed to give Gertrude my guitar, but told them all to not say anything to me. It is encouraging to know when I am in alignment with God’s will.
Will I miss the guitar? Yes, of course. Was it worth it to obey God and bless someone He loves so very much? Absolutely, without a doubt! I am confident that if God wants me to have another guitar, He will provide one.
