July 23.
In The Nick Of Time

Genesis 22:13

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Abraham had Built an altar and laid the wood in order. He hadn’t done anything haphazardly, but everything was well planned and prepared. Everything you do for the Lord should be done in order. It is good to take the time needed to plan and prepare because God is a God of order. Abraham bound Isaac upon the altar and then he took the knife and stretched forth his hands. He got ready to come down and take his son’s life. On his way down – he was on his way down, before he heard the voice of the Lord providing the answer.

Then Abraham heard a voice from heaven. It’s always good to stay tuned in to heaven because you don’t ever know when God is going to speak. He said, “Abraham, still your hand.” What is God going to do now since He stopped Abraham from taking the child’s life? “Abraham, go on with your sacrifice. I’ve got a lamb caught in the thicket.” God had put a ram there and tied him up so the ram couldn’t get away. Notice this about the ram. He was close, right behind Abraham. That means that when you need the Lord, he’s close. You don’t have to go looking for him. Not only was he close, he was also free. Abraham didn’t have to pay a dime to get this ram. He just caught him and laid him on the altar. Furthermore, the lamb was ready to be offered up.

You know I get nervous sometimes because God is such a last minute God. I think, “Lord, If you don’t hurry up and get me, it’s going to be too late. It’s 11:55 at night, I don’t know if I can make it. My time runs out at midnight.” Sometimes God will wait until 11:59. Just in the nick of time, God showed up. Don’t panic; just pass the test!