Over the years, I’ve often heard people say that when life became difficult, God showed up. But the reality is that God was always there. Sometimes it isn’t until we are surrounded by pain, uncertainty, and circumstances beyond our control that we begin to search more deeply, lean into our faith, and learn what it truly means to trust and obey Him.
Abraham gives us a powerful example of this. In Genesis 21, he is asked to send Hagar and Ishmael away. Scripture tells us in verse 11 that Abraham was greatly distressed because it involved his son. Yet despite his sorrow, he obeyed God’s direction.
Then in Genesis 22, Abraham faces an even greater test when God commands him to sacrifice Isaac. Once again, Abraham is confronted with deep distress and uncertainty. In that moment, he demonstrates that when everything around us feels unstable, nothing is more real, more certain, or more trustworthy than God Himself. Abraham’s faith enabled him to trust and obey, even when he could not understand.
As we enter this season of promotions and graduations, I find myself reflecting on that kind of deeply rooted faith, trust, and obedience. As this next group of young adults takes their first steps into adulthood, there is great joy and gratitude. But alongside that joy is a genuine sense of parental loss and uncertainty as we release them into this next chapter of life.
Abraham reminds me to lean into God’s constant presence, not only in my own life, but also in the lives of my children. He reminds me that the same God who has faithfully guided them to this point will continue to lead them in the days ahead. My role is to trust Him, obey Him, and allow them to step forward into the future He has prepared for them.
Where is God asking you today to lean into the truth that He has always been present? Where is He calling you to trust and obey, even in the midst of uncertainty?
Claire Williams
Executive & Welcome Coordinator