FAITH CAPSULE: The obedience of Abraham led him to possess all of the promises 

Genesis 22

Rising before shining is obedience before the complaint.
To shine, one must be obedient and eventually rise.
Genesis 22:1-2 records, “Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham! “And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 
Abraham waited for years to have a son.
After having a child called Isaac, God called him to go and offer the only son as a burnt offering.
The calling of God can be exceedingly challenging. 
It was a call to become tested. 
Also, the lack of direction to the exact mountain, among many mountains, could have been confusing. 
The combination of tough challenges and confusion will lead to making up excuses. 
Abraham did himself a great favor when he was right with God. 
Abraham responded to God without excuse. 
The response of Abraham was an action that communicated the truth that he did not complain. 
Often, people respond with non-verbal ways of communicating against the command of God. 
The Bible describes the response of Abraham, “So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.” (Genesis 22:3)     
Obediently, Abraham rose to the calling of God.
The obedience of Abraham led him to possess all of the promises of God. 
Rising and answering to the command of God is the only way to shine for the glory of God, evidence of obedience.
What is holding you back from answering the calling of God?
Are you one with complaints or excuses? 
In all your walks and work on the face of the earth, is there any area you have remained grounded? 
The lost son (Prodigal son), was lost and down after he had moved to get his portion of goods before the appointed time. 
While he was down, he decided by stating, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” 
The prodigal son repented the key to rise and shine when the father delivered a hearty welcome and reception.
It is all about rising before shining can take place. 
Isaiah 60:1 records, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 

The rising of Abraham continues to generate blessings of the promise of God for Abraham that exist from generation to generation.

Prayer for today: Ask God to intervene and terminate all the forces working against you from rising to shine.