What does it look like to live skillfully? That is the question of wisdom, but to what end are we seeking to live skillfully? Is it skillful living shaped by the cross?

We tend to think of faith as simply assent to a set of Biblical doctrines. The apostle Paul reminds, however, us that faith in the crucified Jesus is a challenging and costly path with some surprising outcomes.

Before Abraham dies, he must secure a wife for his son Isaac so that the line of promise can continue. All along the way, God’s providence is evident.

When Sarah dies, Abraham must purchase a place to bury her within the promised land. Doing so is an act of faith that God will indeed eventually fulfill his promise and give his descendants the land.

God tests Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. Abraham obeys and God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac, revealing to Abraham that he can be trusted because he is ‘The Lord Who Provides.'