Genesis 26:17-33
Reflect
What do you do when you are following God’s direction (26:2, “Stay in the land.”) and yet the people are kicking you out (26:16, “Go away from us”)? Do you fight? Flee? Bitterly complain about injustice? Question God and wonder if you heard Him wrong?
Isaac chooses a peaceable response and moves on a little further. And not just once, but three times! He gives up his right to wells that both he and his father dug. These are the very sources of life and survival for Isaac’s household. But he has a word from God to stay, and this sustains him to persevere. His faithful endurance pays off when he meets with the Lord at Beersheba and, later, when Abimelech offers an oath of peace. Isaac’s gracious response to let go of what he possessed and move on made this peace possible. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” Romans 12:18.
Apply
At times, we don’t know why something is not working out. Or why there seems to be a string of trials and difficulties. Stay connected with God! Remember His last word to you and be faithful to it until He directs you differently. Choose the peaceable response. And keep digging wells--those sources of life--whether you directly benefit from it or it only blesses someone else. “Be fruitful in the land!”
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Missions Ministry Assistant, Oleksandr Lushchyk.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.