I have been going to a study on Thursday nights. It is a study by Beth Moore and this particular 10 week study is on the Patriarchs. I feel so encouraged that even when I go through hard times, God speaks through his Word and through books to make sure I'm learning my lesson. The theme of my learnings this summer is laying down my Isaac. It came up in the Beth Moore study. It came up in the Problem of Pain (CS Lewis) book. Even a member in my Bible study said how she is greatly blessed because of her pain. She lost her daughter 2 years ago from a brain tumor, but from it they are moving to Colorado. Her husband wants to be a pastor. It was directly from God's closeness during that tramatic event. Then when my mom was here she heard of this book from aunt that she said was good. It was called When I lay down my Isaac.
I think I'm getting a message. Beth Moore made it make sense. God sometimes asks you to give up things. And it is harder when it is the things closest to you. (She did make the interesting comment that God didn't ask Sarah to go sacrifice her one and only!!! He probably would have had a lot more feed back to say the least!!). God is teaching me when I have to give things up it is like the upside down nature of the cross. Jesus had prayed to not have to go to the cross, but God said no. He needed to go. Sometimes there isn't a ram to replace Isaac. Yet there is still blessing that comes, if we remain faithful. That is what I'm learning.

Here's another good lesson:
I went to my Beth Moore study yesterday. It was very powerful. She was talking about Jacob's struggle with God. He was finally alone--with no one else and stripped of his games. (Games with his wages with Laban, games with Leah and Rachel, games at getting the blessing and birthright)
She said that he wanted Him (the one Jacob wrestled with) to bless him. He had stolen the blessing before, so you wonder if he is now wanting a legitimate blessing, even though God had been blessing him immensely. You know how you wonder if you would receive something if you had not manipulated for it?
Then He asks for his name. Jacob. Liar. Cheater. Supplanter. (Not Esau--which he told his dad) Then he gives him a new name!! Israel.
If you look in Revelation, God is going to give us new names, that only you and He know. He is private. He was the only one there when you go through those tough times. So he keeps those times private and gives you a new name that is meaningful for you. Revelation 2:17--He how has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hiden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
Then she spoke of the blessing. He wants to give us blessings. He won't leave any area untouched in order to give us a blessing. He had to touch Jacob's sinew. He wants to give us blessings!!! But sometimes he has to touch areas in our life that hurts!

I like how she brings in the New Testament to these Old Testament stories and adds so much meaning and light to familiar passages.