Encouragement for Today

May 19, 2026 What Are You Withholding From God? MEREDITH HOUSTON CARR Lee en español

“‘Don’t lay a hand on the boy!’ the angel said. ‘Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.’” Genesis 22:12 (NLT)

Anytime my children come into a cache of candy, an interesting phenomenon occurs: No matter how much they already have, they still ask one another for a sample.

Recently I watched my son ask his sister for a piece of her candy stash. She agreed — after stealthily sorting her bucket and removing her favorite candies first.

This interaction made me chuckle, yet the Lord impressed upon my heart how often we relate to Him like this. We love Jesus and dedicate our lives to Him, yet we hold back “favorite pieces,” fearful of what might happen if we entrust everything to Him. Perhaps we withhold our jobs, certain relationships, our children, or our deepest dreams.

Sometimes we live most of the Christian life … but inside we’re quietly wondering: Lord, can I truly trust You with every part of me?

The Old Testament patriarch Abraham demonstrated some of the most phenomenal trust in God recorded anywhere in Scripture. God promised Abraham a son, Isaac, whose descendants would bless the world. And God miraculously fulfilled that promise even though Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were well advanced in years.

But then, in an upside-down twist, God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.

If I were Abraham, I admit this command would have given me pause. But Abraham swiftly obeyed.

As Abraham placed Isaac on a wooden altar and raised a knife to take his life, God’s angel intervened:

“‘Don’t lay a hand on the boy!’ the angel said. ‘Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son’” (Genesis 22:12).

Abraham willingly opened his hands and gave God everything, even his most precious son. Scripture tells us he was so certain of God’s goodness, so settled in God's ability to fulfill His promises, “Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again” (Hebrews 11:19a, NLT).

That’s the kind of faith I desire, and I imagine you do too. Because that’s the rock-solid faith that leads to the abundant and satisfying life Jesus promises (John 10:10)! We won’t experience all God has for us with a holding-back-our-favorites kind of faith.

Jesus asks for all of us. Abraham willingly laid his son upon that wood because he knew God — the One who, centuries later, would lay His own Son on a wooden cross — would carefully steward his most precious treasure.

The same is true for you and me, sweet sister. The God who withholds nothing from us can be trusted with every part of our lives.

God, I’m sorry for withholding parts of my life from You. Help me entrust everything to You, resting in Your goodness and provision. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Can we be honest for a second? There’s the version of you that shows up strong and capable … and then there’s the version who wonders at 10 p.m. if she’s actually ready for what God is stirring. Unpolished was created for her. Not the curated version. Not the confident one. The real one. This free reflection journal helps you slow down, name what’s been holding you back, and notice where God has already been working in your story — even in the unfinished places. No pressure to perform. No need to impress. Just space to tell the truth and let Him meet you there. If something in you has been shifting lately, don’t ignore it. Download your free copy of Unpolished, and begin the process here.

ENGAGE

Find out more about Meredith here, and connect with her on social media for more encouragement. You can also download a copy of her free, five-day devotional, “Standing on the Rock,” on her website.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (NLT).

What area of your life do you tend to withhold from God? Prayerfully examine your relationships, habits, and possessions, and ask the Lord to show you where you’re holding back.

What would it look like to take a step of faith, open your hands, and invite God into that area? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2026 by Meredith Houston Carr. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org