Text: Genesis 26:11-22
Memory Verse:
āBut you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!ā
āāII Chroniclesā¬ ā15ā¬:ā7ā¬ ā
Yesterday, we considered four things to do when the brook dries up. Letās discuss one more.
Donāt run away from tough times. Yes, while itās true that God can tell you to move out when the brook of your sustenance dries up, yet be sure that you are not moving out to excuse laziness and weakness.
Some people use the occasion of the dry brook to run away from challenges of life. They love ease and want manna to continue to fall from heaven (Prov 22:13). At the onset of any challenge, be it at work, business, ministry, marriage or relationship, they find excuses to check out. They are impatient, lazy and canāt persevere. Lazy people hate labour and love the path of least resistance (Prov 21:25). Sometimes, the lazy person hides under spirituality to flee from challenges, often claiming that God told him to move out. Interestingly, he only hears God at the time of trouble and not at the time of peace! According to our text today, Isaac didnāt quit when he began to have the brook-drying experience. Not long after, he received the favour of king Abimelech of Gerar to live and do business in the land, Isaac invested in the land and began to prosper, then the king and the herdsmen rose up against him. At three different places, from the wells which he inherited from Abraham, to the ones his servants dug at Esek and Sitnah, they contended with him and took over the wells. Still, Isaac didnāt move out of Gerah but dug another well, until they ceased from striving with him at Rehoboth. āAbandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means āopen spaceā), for he said, āAt last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.ā
āā(Genā¬ ā26ā¬:ā22ā¬ āNLTā¬ā¬). At last, God made room for them and prospered them. No more contentions but peace. No more limitations but open space. No more losses but fruitfulness. Hallelujah!
Friends, God hasnāt called us to an easy and smooth life but diligence, obedience and surrender. Even eternity with God will be through much hardships and tribulations (Acts 14:22). Perseverance is a factor of faith. Donāt give up your business, relationship, work, marriage, health or even your life, because of the attack of the enemy. I see you in your Rehoboth in Jesus name.
Prayer points
1. I refuse to give up and be wearied by my adversaries in Jesus name.
2. Let every plan of the enemy to discourage me and to stop me be frustrated in Jesus name.
Todayās declarations
1. The drying of my brook may not necessarily be a sign for me to move out but to exercise my faith.
2. I am not lazy nor do I hide under āGod saidā to flee from the challenges of life.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng