Even As Abraham

As we study the scriptures, we learn that many prophets had their faith tried in many different ways. But as far as I can think of off the top of my head, there is only one trial of faith experienced by a prophet that the Lord specifically tells us that we must also go through. In Doctrine and Covenants 101:4-5, the Lord says that the Saints "must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son. For all who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified." A similar idea is found in John 8:39, where the Savior says, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham."

Each prophet had his faith tried in different ways, and each of us will have our faith tried in different ways. What is it about Abraham's trial of faith that makes it the one that must be universally passed by all of us if we wish to draw nearer to God? There are probably several good answers to this question, but my feeling is that it has to do with how Abraham was able to put the will of the Lord before his own, even when it meant sacrificing something that he dearly loved. If I want to do the works of Abraham and return to the presence of God, I must also learn to put the will of God first in my life.