We continue our series of studying how God interacts with His people through enduring trials and testing. In this episode we discuss the implications of Abraham's love for Ishmael. Before Isaac was born, Ishmael was Abraham's son who he loved.  Although he loved his son, Abraham was told by God to drive Ishmael out, because Isaac was the chosen heir of God's chosen people.  We may have all heard this story before, but this is the first time I had ever paused to consider the trial it was for Abraham.  To obey God meant he had to drive out his son who he loved. The story of Abraham and Ishmael gives great insight to the reality of putting God before all others and it also brings some meaning to the words of Jesus in Luke 14:26, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." Before God calls us to love people, He first calls us to love Him.  No matter who a person is in our lives, God must always come first, and this is the story of Abraham and Ishmael.

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