Friday, January 1, 2016

Persistence Plus Faith Is A Great Combination

Genesis 26:19-22 -   Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him.  Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.”

Isaac had been blessed so greatly that the king of the land where he had settled asked him to leave. So Isaac journeyed back to where his father had lived.  He reopened the wells that had been stopped up with earth...even dug new ones as the old were claimed by the Philistines that lived there now.

I am strengthened by Isaac’s resolve to keep moving and dig new wells till no new claims were made on one.  He did not fight with the Philistines that took over his father’s wells…he moved on to another area and dug a new well till no one fought with him over it.  He did not develop an attitude of entitlement …that his riches gave him special rights… he waited on God to do what he knew by faith would be done.

Isaac built an altar to God at the place where God gave him no fusses about his new well. He knew the Lord had provided and was giving him this land where he was raised to nurture his family and provide for his servants. The king was so impressed with how God had blessed him….and the model of living that Isaac showed…that he asked Isaac for a covenant between them.


Father…thank you for the reminder that you will provide everything we need to live and prosper. You let Jeremiah record my favorite words of promise in 29:11… “ For I know the plans I have for you…declares the Lord…plans to prosper you and not to harm you...plans to give you hope and a future.” Forgive me for the times that I have fought to get my way…and not let you work things out for me in your own timing.  Help me to hold tight to the faith you have given me and let it grow into a trust through any situation.  Amen.

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