God has a way of showing up in our lives. Even though there are times when He allows us to go through difficult situations, God is always there; he is always working. Then, there are times when with our spiritual eyes, we do not see a way out. We have exhausted all possibilities. We have rationalized and analyzed our situation from every angle. But then, just when we think the bad is coming or our situation does not get any better, God shows up. He reveals “There’s a Ram in the Bush”. This phrase simply means God has provided. It describes God as Jehovah Jireh.
Because we serve a God who is always working we need to “RAM”: be Ready, be Available, and Magnify. In Genesis 22, it describes a situation where God tells Abraham to take Isaac, his son, to offer him as an offering (sacrifice) to the Lord. Abraham was able to demonstrate for us “RAM”.
R-Abraham was ready. In Genesis 22 verse 1 it says, “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.” Abraham was ready to hear what God had to say. Abraham demostrated a New Testament scripture which says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
A-Abraham was available. When you read the story of Abraham, he made himself available to God by obeying what God told him to do (see Genesis 12). I am sure Abraham did not fully understand what God had said. But, instead of him questioning or hesitating, the word of God tells us in Genesis 22:3, “Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.” You and I must obey God and His word. In Luke 11:28 Jesus says, “He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”
M-Abraham magnified God and not his situation. In Genesis 22:5 Abraham says something so profound….”He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’” Because Abraham had history with God, he was going to magnify God even in this confusing and heartwretching situation. Futhermore, Abraham’s faith was demonstrated when he said, “…and then we will come back to you.” We too must obey and magify the Lord. While Paul was in prison he magnified God. In Acts 16:25-26 it says, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”
Regardless of what you and I face, we serve a God who can be trusted. Even if He does not do what we think He should do, God is still faithful. So, on today, get a “RAM” in your spirit because “There’s a Ram in the Bush”.
Search yourself and go deeper: What situation are you facing today? Have you prayed? Have you talked to Jesus about it? Do you trust Jesus? Is your faith hot, cold or lukewarm?
Action Plan:
- How can I “RAM”: be Ready, be Available, and Magnify?