Surrendering Your 'Isaac'

[Caramel]

For the last few months, I've struggled with something. A project that is very near to my heart and has always been my gift and passion seemed to come to a screeching halt. At first, it appeared to be making progress in the direction that I wanted. But now every door that I have tried in order to put things back on track seems closed. The project involves my life's goal and desired profession, and it's something that I've wanted and thought about for a really long time.

In my frustration, I sought the Lord repeatedly through prayer. The word that came to me was a reminder of Abraham's surrender of Isaac. I feel so hurt, disappointed and yes, angry.

Has anyone had to surrender their 'Isaac'? How did things work out after that?

 

[ANM29]

For the last few months, I've struggled with something. A project that is very near to my heart and has always been my gift and passion seemed to come to a screeching halt. At first, it appeared to be making progress in the direction that I wanted. But now every door that I have tried in order to put things back on track seems closed. The project involves my life's goal and desired profession, and it's something that I've wanted and thought about for a really long time.

In my frustration, I sought the Lord repeatedly through prayer. The word that came to me was a reminder of Abraham's surrender of Isaac. I feel so hurt, disappointed and yes, angry.

Has anyone had to surrender their 'Isaac'? How did things work out after that?

Hello sister..

I can definitely relate to surrendering an Isaac. As a matter of fact, I have surrendered a 'few' Isaacs the past few years. The same thing happen to me the first time I experienced this extreme disappointment, I sought the Lord and he told me it was an Isaac surrender. It was painful, I cried and pouted and yelled at God for a while...then I finally, let go and let God..Though over time, he healed the pain, and I learned some things through that was easier for me the next time I had to surrender another Isaac. When God was done with me, there was nothing that I would not surrender or forsake for him.

I discovered that I had to lose my life, and all of it and how I thought it should be and work out, to take up his life. Sometimes we talk a lot about God and the scriptures, but until you actually have to walk the walk you talk...( A true WALK OF FAITH each day ) you don't get to experience God the way he truly desires for us. In order to find our lives, scripture says, we must first be willing to lose our lives.

God also reminded me that unless a seed goes into the ground and THEN DIES, it can not produce a harvest. I never understood that passage of scripture till I entered that place of death to my dreams, hopes and my OWN PLANS. When you plant a seed, it actually dies before it begins to grow..I did not know that, But that is what God will sometimes allow in our own lives. We forget that when we become followers of Christ, that we are giving up our own selfish desires and ways of how things should 'work out', and we are taking on the desires and plans he has for our lives. He will take us through whatever he chooses until we get it and finally surrender to it. We are not living for ourselves, but we now are living for him. It is not our will, but the will of God to be done in our lives. This true surrender and following of God will cost you some things you wish for, maybe even forever or just a season, and that season could be a long time..or short.

God has a way of changing our hearts desires into the desires of HIS HEART..and in the long run, you will begin to see that he had a better plan for you and your dreams than you could never figure out on your own anyway.

Go with the flow, and enjoy the ride. God plans and ways for your life are far better than you could ever cook up and plan out for yourself. Let Go and Let God..He is working things out in you, and for your ULTIMATE GOOD In the end and his ULTIMATE GLORY......

 

[Elijah2]

Well surrendering your "Isaac" is a new one on me, where did this come from?

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

 

[JEBrady]

Hello sister..

I can definitely relate to surrendering an Isaac. As a matter of fact, I have surrendered a 'few' Isaacs the past few years. The same thing happen to me the first time I experienced this extreme disappointment, I sought the Lord and he told me it was an Isaac surrender. It was painful, I cried and pouted and yelled at God for a while...then I finally, let go and let God..Though over time, he healed the pain, and I learned some things through that was easier for me the next time I had to surrender another Isaac. When God was done with me, there was nothing that I would not surrender or forsake for him.

I discovered that I had to lose my life, and all of it and how I thought it should be and work out, to take up his life. Sometimes we talk a lot about God and the scriptures, but until you actually have to walk the walk you talk...( A true WALK OF FAITH each day ) you don't get to experience God the way he truly desires for us. In order to find our lives, scripture says, we must first be willing to lose our lives.

God also reminded me that unless a seed goes into the ground and THEN DIES, it can not produce a harvest. I never understood that passage of scripture till I entered that place of death to my dreams, hopes and my OWN PLANS. When you plant a seed, it actually dies before it begins to grow..I did not know that, But that is what God will sometimes allow in our own lives. We forget that when we become followers of Christ, that we are giving up our own selfish desires and ways of how things should 'work out', and we are taking on the desires and plans he has for our lives. He will take us through whatever he chooses until we get it and finally surrender to it. We are not living for ourselves, but we now are living for him. It is not our will, but the will of God to be done in our lives. This true surrender and following of God will cost you some things you wish for, maybe even forever or just a season, and that season could be a long time..or short.

God has a way of changing our hearts desires into the desires of HIS HEART..and in the long run, you will begin to see that he had a better plan for you and your dreams than you could never figure out on your own anyway.

Go with the flow, and enjoy the ride. God plans and ways for your life are far better than you could ever cook up and plan out for yourself. Let Go and Let God..He is working things out in you, and for your ULTIMATE GOOD In the end and his ULTIMATE GLORY......

Great post, top shelf godly advice, too.

God won't let us have anything before Him, and there's no way to experience the fullness of God without this kind of surrender. Some stuff I had to give up because it wasn't in His will (more Ishmaels than Isaacs), other things I had to let go of in my heart and surrender to Him before I got them back, and those were the Isaacs.

It's the only way to be free. I think that's why the word says to guard our hearts. It's so easy to let something else get a grip. I try to keep a loose hold on everything except Jesus.

 

[ANM29]

Great post, top shelf godly advice, too.

God won't let us have anything before Him, and there's no way to experience the fullness of God without this kind of surrender. Some stuff I had to give up because it wasn't in His will (more Ishmaels than Isaacs), other things I had to let go of in my heart and surrender to Him before I got them back, and those were the Isaacs.

It's the only way to be free. I think that's why the word says to guard our hearts. It's so easy to let something else get a grip. I try to keep a loose hold on everything except Jesus.

Yep, it is the only way to be free. Now that you mention it, some Ishmaels too. Yepper..

My motto is I don't want to be attached to anything except the Lord. After you go through enough, you finally come to that place... Love, but know that nothing else and nobody else can come before him.

 

[ANM29]

Well surrendering your "Isaac" is a new one on me, where did this come from?

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

Something the Lord showed me in my own personal life when it came to giving up and letting go of something you treasure with everything you have and love nearly to death, when you know it something he himself gave you. Talk about a test of faith in him..Still would not change a thing.

 

[AudioArtist]

Well surrendering your "Isaac" is a new one on me, where did this come from?

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

I don't think anybody here claimed it should be a new theological principle or that it was a teaching that applied to all believers all the time - it's just something personal God has shared with these individuals for their own lives (and may well challenge others with, if He wants to.)

Maybe I've misunderstood your question - it seemed to be similar to those 'where is that in the Bible?' questions people always throw out... While there isn't a specific example in the Bible of somebody having to give up what what these folk have had to give up (mainly because many projects we'd be involved in today didn't exist back then!) the principle of giving up things for God is very Biblical.

 

[NewSong]

I have had to give up my dreams and visions more than once to God and take up my cross daily and follow Him. I don't always get what I want either. It seems that God is asked to bless stuff after the projects are started and they start to fail and aren't an Isaac at all but an Ishmael!

 

[JEBrady]

I have had to give up my dreams and visions more than once to God and take up my cross daily and follow Him. I don't always get what I want either. It seems that God is asked to bless stuff after the projects are started and they start to fail and aren't an Isaac at all but an Ishmael!

Yes, taking up one's cross daily is the core of Christian living. Being that living sacrifice that denies oneself and follows Him fully. God puts His finger on things and we respond with obedience. That's working out your salvation.

I call it doing the hard thing, when God touches something really difficult and we're faced with the decision to continue in obedience or to shrink back and no longer fully follow Jesus. Unfortunately, when one makes the wrong decision and doesn't do the hard thing, their spiritual life stops dead. Churches are full of people like that, that haven't really grown or accomplished anything in years because they stopped following fully and are really backslidden, in spite of tithing, attending church, praying, reading the word, etc. That last word they heard landed on rocky soil.

 

[ANM29]

Yes, taking up one's cross daily is the core of Christian living. Being that living sacrifice that denies oneself and follows Him fully. God puts His finger on things and we respond with obedience. That's working out your salvation.

I call it doing the hard thing, when God touches something really difficult and we're faced with the decision to continue in obedience or to shrink back and no longer fully follow Jesus. Unfortunately, when one makes the wrong decision and doesn't do the hard thing, their spiritual life stops dead. Churches are full of people like that, that haven't really grown or accomplished anything in years because they stopped following fully and are really backslidden, in spite of tithing, attending church, praying, reading the word, etc. That last word they heard landed on rocky soil.

Now, that is true...

 

[IowaPastor]

Well surrendering your "Isaac" is a new one on me, where did this come from?

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

This concept of surrendering our "Isaac" comes from Genesis 22 particularly verses 1-14. I preached on it a few weeks ago.

In time, I think all Christians will be required to surrender an "Isaac" or perhaps multiple "Isaacs".

I hope this helps.

Blessings

 

[IowaPastor]

For the last few months, I've struggled with something. A project that is very near to my heart and has always been my gift and passion seemed to come to a screeching halt. At first, it appeared to be making progress in the direction that I wanted. But now every door that I have tried in order to put things back on track seems closed. The project involves my life's goal and desired profession, and it's something that I've wanted and thought about for a really long time.

In my frustration, I sought the Lord repeatedly through prayer. The word that came to me was a reminder of Abraham's surrender of Isaac. I feel so hurt, disappointed and yes, angry.

Has anyone had to surrender their 'Isaac'? How did things work out after that?

Caramel,

I wanted to respond to you. I, too, had to give up an "Issac". My particular "Issac" was a deeply desired goal, that of working in a profession that I had gone to grad school for. I wanted to work with college students (I honestly felt called).

However, God had other things in mind for me. Things haven't really been the same yet but in a good way. Actually, in a way that I never dreamed possible! I'm now a lay pastor, while I listen to God as to what way to go in the ministry.

At this point, though, I know you're in a tough and painful place. You're dream is/has come to an end and now you don't know which way to go. I wish I could help you more, than I can.

Please know that you're not alone!! Keep up your relationship with God.

Blessings...sending a comforting hug your way!

 

[hopeinGod]

A word of caution in regard to the surrender of one's dreams: the notion that hard times can be an indication from God to give up one's dream is hogwash.

When I first became a Christian, the thought that every vision and talent that one had in his/her heart had to be sacrificed on some preconceived altar, swept through the home churches. I witnessed exceptionally talented musicians give up their dreams and potentials because they got sucked up into what most times can be called nothing more than a bunch of crap.

I watched a young man give away a van to a young minister who treated his prized possession like a piece of garbage.

Take my advice, go for the dream. Realize your full potential. Some doors might have closed, so find others that can open. Don't be taken in by this sacrifice nonsense.

What would have happened to Abraham Lincoln if every time he had a setback he thought it was time to sacrifice Isaac? Have you read his biography? Abe had more blocks in his way to political success than an entire Senate can total, and yet he clung to his vision.

I say, go for it! Don't let frustration keep you from the vision you have for your life.
Dave

 

[NewSong]

A word of caution in regard to the surrender of one's dreams: the notion that hard times can be an indication from God to give up one's dream is hogwash.

When I first became a Christian, the thought that every vision and talent that one had in his/her heart had to be sacrificed on some preconceived altar, swept through the home churches. I witnessed exceptionally talented musicians give up their dreams and potentials because they got sucked up into what most times can be called nothing more than a bunch of crap.

I watched a young man give away a van to a young minister who treated his prized possession like a piece of garbage.

Take my advice, go for the dream. Realize your full potential. Some doors might have closed, so find others that can open. Don't be taken in by this sacrifice nonsense.

What would have happened to Abraham Lincoln if every time he had a setback he thought it was time to sacrifice Isaac? Have you read his biography? Abe had more blocks in his way to political success than an entire Senate can total, and yet he clung to his vision.

I say, go for it! Don't let frustration keep you from the vision you have for your life.
Dave

I was the one that used the statement of letting go of dreams and visions because not all dreams and visions are of God.

For example, when my daughter was young, she dreamed of being a black singer. She is a white female....now how can she hang unto a dream of being a black singer? She is a singer and she sings a lot of songs that sound like she is a black singer but sometimes those dreams have to go back to GOD for HIM to work in us HIS desires ....obviously! Desires and visions and dream need to go back to GOD and sometimes completely given up! I thought I wanted to join a circus when I was smaller and much younger. I wanted to be a clown. I had to let it go. God gave me an opportunity to clown in minisitry and I loved it but there times when we have to let it go and let God fine tune what are visions and dreams are and sometimes we need to make sure we don't birth the wrong things. I am sure if I was in the circus now, I would not be serving the Lord or even close. Not there is anything wrong with the circus but I wanted to be in the circus for the popcorn, cotton candy, and to be a clown. How realistic is that dream. Give it up to God!

 

[JEBrady]

A word of caution in regard to the surrender of one's dreams: the notion that hard times can be an indication from God to give up one's dream is hogwash.

When I first became a Christian, the thought that every vision and talent that one had in his/her heart had to be sacrificed on some preconceived altar, swept through the home churches. I witnessed exceptionally talented musicians give up their dreams and potentials because they got sucked up into what most times can be called nothing more than a bunch of crap.

I watched a young man give away a van to a young minister who treated his prized possession like a piece of garbage.

Take my advice, go for the dream. Realize your full potential. Some doors might have closed, so find others that can open. Don't be taken in by this sacrifice nonsense.

What would have happened to Abraham Lincoln if every time he had a setback he thought it was time to sacrifice Isaac? Have you read his biography? Abe had more blocks in his way to political success than an entire Senate can total, and yet he clung to his vision.

I say, go for it! Don't let frustration keep you from the vision you have for your life.
Dave

True, circumstances don't dictate our decision-making, but they do get our attention. The OP was doing what James 1 says to do when we are in the midst of a trial, as she was, and need wisdom. She asked God. James 1 promises God will give us wisdom in the midst of trial "liberally and without reproach", but that it had to be asked in faith. The answer came to mind, and she applied faith, believing, rather than discarding the answer because she didn't like it. This doesn't sound like a case where someone is letting circumstances dictate their decision.

Something else to keep in mind. We may not be required to give up any/all desires that we entertain, but we must be willing to give them up.

 

[ANM29]

True, circumstances don't dictate our decision-making, but they do get our attention. The OP was doing what James 1 says to do when we are in the midst of a trial, as she was, and need wisdom. She asked God. James 1 promises God will give us wisdom in the midst of trial "liberally and without reproach", but that it had to be asked in faith. The answer came to mind, and she applied faith, believing, rather than discarding the answer because she didn't like it. This doesn't sound like a case where someone is letting circumstances dictate their decision.

Something else to keep in mind. We may not be required to give up any/all desires that we entertain, but we must be willing to give them up.

 

[Caramel]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. The hurdle is something that I'm currently in grad school pursuing.

If I'm honest with myself, I'd have to say that I had/have my life all planned out my way and just expected things to fall into place according to my plans. This has always been my interest, passion and talent, and in many ways, it has even become my identity.

I feel as though I heard the Lord loud and clear on this one. It definitely was not what I had expected to or wanted to hear. But that answer has popped up over and over when I've sought God's guidance. I think that He's trying to get me to let go of the tight control that I have over my own life and plans.

I take your point though, hopeinGod, about not using passivity as an excuse to abandon goals, or thinking that God wants us to have absolutely nothing.

 

[ANM29]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. The hurdle is something that I'm currently in grad school pursuing.

If I'm honest with myself, I'd have to say that I had/have my life all planned out my way and just expected things to fall into place according to my plans. This has always been my interest, passion and talent, and in many ways, it has even become my identity.

I feel as though I heard the Lord loud and clear on this one. It definitely was not what I had expected to or wanted to hear. But that answer has popped up over and over when I've sought God's guidance. I think that He's trying to get me to let go of the tight control that I have over my own life and plans.

I take your point though, hopeinGod, about not using passivity as an excuse to abandon goals, or thinking that God wants us to have absolutely nothing.

You are blessed and God is with you, always.

The highlighted part is what most of us want, 'control'. I have discovered that following the Lord is a lifestyle of giving up 'control' over and over and over again. Our problem as humans is our problem with wanting control, God is constantly showing us that he is in control, not us. I promise you, He will work all things out for your good and his GLORY..Just let go and let him have his way. He may just be asking you to lay it down for a 'season', Either way, you know his voice and as long as you follow it, you will NEVER go wrong.