I recently applied for work at an established university with fully equipped facilities and less workload, yet with a higher salary — my dream institution! Who wouldn't look forward to getting hired soon? When I was invited for an interview and a teaching demonstration, I was amazed at their warm reception and positive feedback. They operate with three semesters each year, and they offered me the position starting right away.

However, I was bewildered because I am still currently employed under a contract that ends this June. I know that with the compensation that I would receive from the new employer, I could easily pay the penalty for my breach of contract. But I also know that it is not just about money, but my commitment to stay until June. I do not know whether there will still be an opening after my contract ends. For a while, I thought that God was provoking me. In my mind, I almost asked, Seriously, God? You know how much I want to be at this dream institution. You made this arrangement, and then, what's next? Will You make me decline this dream that I earnestly prayed for?

Then, I was led to the story of Abraham.

Genesis 22:1-2 – Some time later God tested Abraham. … "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." (NIV)

Abraham did not say a word of protest or refusal. He just followed. He didn't know what God's mind was, but he knew that God loved him. In the end, God provided a ram for the sacrifice. So, the position offered to me has become my "Isaac", and I am turning it down because I have a commitment and obligations to fulfill. I will have to wait and see what God will provide instead.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

God wants us not to lean on our own understanding. He does not call us to sacrifice what we love because He wants to hurt us. He does that for us to be reminded that we should not love anything more than we love Him. The reward will be most fulfilling, because it assures us not only of our future, but also of our eternal glory in Christ.

What has been, or is now, your "Isaac" — a person, possession, or anything that you value so much that you just can't afford to let it go, but God is asking you to do so?

Prayer: Dear Lord, there are so many things that we just can't understand. Teach our hearts to choose You always, as it is a decision that we will never regret. You are the all-knowing God Who directs us toward a future of hope. Help us not to settle on our dreams, but to surrender them to You, for victory will always be ours when we have You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Ivy Domingo <domingoivy25@gmail.com>
Laguna, Philippines
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