God put Abraham to test.

"God put Abraham to the test and said to him: Abraham! “Here I am!” he replied.  Then God said: Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There offer him up as a burnt offering on one of the heights that I will point out to you." (Genesis 22: 1 - 2).

Thursday of the 13th week in Ordinary Time is the Independence Anniversary of the United States of America.

As God guides creation in wisdom and goodness towards the fulfillment of its destiny in Christ Jesus, so is the Lord guiding America towards the fulfillment of its destiny. Therefore we pray:
"Father of the family of man, open our hearts to greater love of your Son. Let national boundaries not set limits to our concern. Ward off the pride that comes with worldly wealth and power. Give us the courage to open ourselves in love to the service of all Your people. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son." (Collect Independence Day Mass."

God put Abraham to test to sacrifice Isaac, his only son. Consider if God asks you to sacrifice your health, family, finances, job, possessions, country. How would you respond? This is how God responded to Abraham's obedience:

“I swear by my very self—oracle of the Lord—that because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your son, your only one,  I will bless you and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; your descendants will take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth will find blessing, because you obeyed my command.” (Genesis 22: 16 - 18).

Faith and obedience are always rewarded in the Bible.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com