Under The Knife

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. Genesis 22:10

Over and over in the scriptures we see God bring His children right to the brink of disaster before He intervenes. The Israelites trapped against the Red Sea, Daniel being cast into the den of lions, Shadrach & Co. being tossed into the fiery furnace, and the disciples (twice) buffeted by stormy seas all spring immediately to mind. But I think this may be the prime example: Abraham, his only son--his promised, miracle child--bound to the altar, knife at the boy's throat...and God steps in. The merest moment from the end, God finally provides an escape. You know, life can get ugly. Sometimes we see things hanging over us, held by the slightest thread, ready to crush us at any moment. We can feel the very prick of the knife at our throats. Sometimes God lets us sweat it out until the very last moment, not out of cruelty, but out of compassion. He wants us to see that He's still able, still in control, still aware of where we are and what's going on with us, every moment. And He wants us to know that no trap, no attack, no storm, no threat of any kind can keep Him from working on our behalf. Even when the knife is raised, it's not too late for Him...and He'll show up right on time.