Saturday, 15th July 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: DEALING WITH LIFE'S PRESSURE
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you; for unto you, and unto your seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham your father.” – Genesis 26:3
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why did God instruct Isaac to remain in the land of Canaan in a time of famine?
Abraham has passed on at the age of 175 years (Gen 25:7-8). Everything Abraham had, he willed to Isaac (Gen 25:5). Isaac's life can be considered one born into huge privileges. He was the promised child and the father’s favourite. All his half-brothers were sent away to avoid conflict with Isaac (Gen 25:6).
However, whether you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth or a copper spoon, you are not exempt from the pressures and circumstances of life. When an evil net is cast into waters, both goldfish and sardines are at risk.
Isaac is confronted with a severe famine. He soon realised that in times of difficulty, the more you have, the more you are under pressure. Isaac had many servants to feed and flocks to keep alive. Besides, he needed to cater for his own family. Everybody was looking up to Isaac at such a difficult time. When we are under pressure, we have the tendency to opt for anything that resembles a solution. However, “there is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death” (Prov 14:12). Isaac quickly approached Abimelech, king of the Philistines, unto Gerar (Gen 26:1). After being unsuccessful with Abimelech, Isaac purposed in his heart to go to Egypt. The Nile will definitely support agriculture there, which will make life a bit easier. But God appeared to Isaac and stopped him from going to Egypt (Gen 26:2).
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23), and during times of economic pressure, we can easily forget the Lord who orders our steps.
With starving dependents and a growling stomach, Isaac was faced with the challenge of choosing between God and Egypt. Mathematically, Egypt presents a huge opportunity to jump out of this crisis. On the other hand, the word of God to him to remain in the land of famine shows no proof of a miracle in the immediate or distant future. It is at this point in life that many of God’s people, in choosing the easy way out, miss out on the greater and superior destiny God has for them. Isaac proved that he was the son of the man of faith, Abraham. He chose the word of God.
Precious one, the place of abundance is guaranteed by the place of obedience (Isa 1:19).
If we will obey the voice of God, He will lead us to greener pastures and still waters. Isaac hearkened to God’s voice and cropped in the land of famine. With the blessings of God, Isaac reaped a hundredfold (Gen 26:12). Similarly, if we let God guide us in our decisions during these times of economic difficulty, we will go through the fire and it will not hurt us. Remember, the waters that drowned men in the days of Noah the same waters sailed Noah and his ark. Beloved, one word from God is able to contain an entire life-changing formula. So, draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Then will He give you a word (direction, instruction, idea, etc) to sail through these times and the seasons. God bless you more.
FURTHER READING – Genesis 26:1-12
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How well are you drawing close to God during this time of economic difficulty?
- Are you spending quality time in prayer with God?
CONFESSION
Precious Father, you have said that everything will pass away but your word will abide forever. In these times of economic upheaval, I choose to live by your word. I receive your instructions and guidance in these times. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Samuel 29; 1 Samuel 30; Jeremiah 5; Matthew 16
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