God tested Abraham with the one thing he treasured the most – his son Isaac. He asked him to give up the one thing that he waited his entire life for. Sometimes God will test us because it’s the only way to see what our faith will really produce. Abraham responded with immediate obedience. In the end, God saw Abraham’s faith and he stopped the execution. God never intended for Abraham to kill Isaac, but by asking him it was the only way He could prove it. I also believe that it was intended to “show” us a picture of what God was going to do for us – with Jesus.

Ten years had gone by since God first gave his promise to Abraham that he would be a great nation and have descendants and offspring. Still no sign of a child. What already seemed like a nearly improbably was becoming impossible. He was 85 years old and his wife was 75. How is it that what God told him wouldn't happen? He is defeated, discouraged and possibly in depression. That's when God has to remind Abraham of how big He is and how great He is. He takes him outside of his tent and tells him to look up - Gaze upon the stars. Look at what you can't explain and can't define. When he looked at something greater than what He wanted God to do - his faith grew.

Abram is blessed because he is obedient. Not only he but his nephew was also blessed through Abraham. He went with Abraham and because of that, he too was blessed. They walked in the favor of God. Then when their blessing had become a barrier in their relationship - Abram gave Lot the first choice of the land so they could separate. Lot chose the choice property leaving Abraham with the land that wasn't as desirable. Yet the favor of God was with Abraham and not the land. Because the promise wasn't about land, but about the man.

Parable of the talents is a metaphor for the sense of urgency we are to have with what God has entrusted us. Our ability is what God has given to us to use for His glory. We either work it or we sit on it (hide it).