There will always be uncertainties in life, even for those who believe in God. He never promised we wouldn’t have trouble. Satan likes to cause disruption however he can. God did promise he would be with us.
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As we look at Genesis we see troubling times for Isaac and his family. Let’s see what God told him…
1 Now there was a famine in the land — besides the earlier famine of Abraham’s time — and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. 2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws.” 6 So Isaac stayed in Gerar.
Gen. 26:1-6
God is always reaffirming his covenant with us. Here, he reminds Isaac that he made promises to Abraham that are still valid with Isaac. Isaac’s relationship with God is what helped him. Everything Isaac touched seemed to multiply his wealth.
Isaac was a herdsman who was trying to sustain his life and that of those who depended on him through a famine. He had to be able to feed family, employees, and all of those herds that continued to grow with God’s blessing. This would make anyone be worried and stressed. So how did Isaac stay grounded? He did it the same way we can. By having a relationship with God. He spent time in God’s word to get to know his true character and he prayed. To pray is important, but not any more important than listening for the small whisper of God.
Isaac decided to go to Egypt, but in verse 2, God told him not to go to Egypt. Live in the place God told him to land God told him to go.
We can be the same way always thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the street. Sometimes we need to learn to take care of the grass on our side of the road. Moving won’t make a difference if we don’t change what we do.
We think there’s got to be someplace that’s better than where we are. But God loves us and wants us to follow the path he has for us.
See the moments where God stops us and tells us not to go. Listen to Him. There will be times of concern and worry, but knowing that God is there with you through the tough times gives you assurance that it will work out in God’s timing.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.“
Luke 22:45
Time after time in the Bible we see God assuring us that he is in control. He loves us and wants us to follow his plan.
God will be with us. Jesus is Emmanuel which means God with us. He’s right there beside you, encouraging us. We need to learn to stand on his promises.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
Jesus reminds us that he will be with us, too. Standing On The Promises…
If we don’t read the Word, we won’t know what His promises are. He never said life would be fair, but he will be with us.
God doesn’t see our failings if we’ve accepted Jesus as our Savior. Our faith is important. Stay where God is and move when he moves. Trust in his timing and his leading
Jesus teaches us in 3 ways to stay with God…
- “Thy will be done.” Let your will be his will. Seek his will and let him set the parameters.
- The core of our faith is that God is sovereign. He is perfect. His plan is best.
- Come out of hiding. If we’re hiding, we’re not abiding. Share with God the things that scare you most. Normally weakness is not considered a sign of success. But…
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
1 Cor. 12:9
This is my very favorite verse in the Bible. God has put it in front of me so many times that I had to take note. In one week it was in several devotionals and Bible studies I was doing. Then a former pastor of mine asked me if I would write an article for a magazine that he was the editor for. The writing prompt included this verse and it just felt like a God thing.
Remember the times that God has been with you…that time when your loved one was in the hospital with a bleak outlook and all of a sudden you felt a peace come over you that you’d never experienced before. Or the time when there were bills looking before you with no way to pay them and out of no where the money shows up in the mail or in an envelope that you don’t know where it came from. Communion is another example that we can be thankful for his faithfulness.
Dwelling on God’s faithfulness helps us reset.
You’ve survived every worst day of your life because God was with you.
Life can be hard, but you can find hope when you trust in God’s plan.
I hope that you can find a source of encouragement to help you along in your walk. Maybe a church near you or a Bible study or small group that you can be involved in. We aren’t meant to do this alone!
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 