Crossroads in life are pretty common. The decisions we make at these times could end up in crisis. A crisis is often perceived as having a negative connotation. However, there is assurance in anxiety and confidence in the challenges of our life.
Finding direction amidst uncertainty, believing in it, and enjoying its promises will enable you and me to face and overcome any crises or challenges in this world.
Genesis 26:1-5 indicates a sense of certainty in a difficult condition. Isaac acts as a connecting bridge between his father, Abraham, and his sons. He summarises the lessons learned and passes them on just as God had revealed. This passage demonstrates the sureness that Isaac experiences during the famine. It could be understood in three significant aspects for us to imbibe when facing similar situations.
A Direction to Take
A severe famine now struck the land, as in Abraham’s time. So, Isaac moved to Gerar, where Abimelech, king of the Philistines, lived. The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you. – Genesis 26:1-2.
Seeking the right direction is an important aspect we all strive for. Our life could be disastrous when we do not have a goal. Likewise, without proper direction, we are bound to experience pain. Though the road may seem dreary during a crisis, there is fulfilment and assurance at the end of it.
Adhering to God’s direction yields results that can surprise us; ‘With Right Directions come Great Promises’.
Isaac and his household were in a precarious condition, yet God told him to stay on and do as he was told. This is a clear indication of God’s perfect intervention in difficulty. Choose rightly, though the course may be tough for the moment. Remember the tough path may also indicate the right direction.
A Promise to Believe
Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father. I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants, all the nations of the earth will be blessed. – Genesis 26:3-4.
Adhering to God’s direction yields results that can surprise us; ‘With Right Directions come Great Promises’. There is a value attached to enjoying the promises of God. It is not instant or automatic as you and I might think. But God accepts us as we are and will never fail to fulfil his promises in our lives.
Seeking the right direction is an important aspect we all strive for. Our life could be disastrous when we do not have a goal.
In Isaac’s situation, being in an unknown land and believing in the promises should have taken a humongous effort of belief and courage to move on in the journey. The result is that not only did he enjoy the promise, but that promise was passed on to whoever was associated with him. Believe in the promises when you receive them.
A Legacy to Remember
I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions.”- Genesis 26:5.
Receiving something not out of your merit but out of sheer legacy that has been passed on is the perfect example of overcoming a situation of crisis. In our day-to-day lives or in any place or condition, it is always due to our predecessors or someone who has gone before us that we benefit or are the recipients of it in the present.
Choose rightly, though the course may be tough for the moment. Remember the tough path may also indicate the right direction.
Abraham’s obedience paved the way for Isaac and his household to receive God’s abundant blessing. Let us remember the faithful and tireless service and the legacy our predecessors left for us. This will give us the impetus to think less of our challenges and crises and more about the wonderful things ahead.
Conclusion
Finding direction amidst uncertainty, believing in it, and enjoying its promises will enable you and me to face and overcome any crises or challenges in this world. We should also acknowledge the efforts and pain taken by our predecessors who paved the way. Let’s move forward with renewed vigour, pondering and acting on these.
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash; Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash; Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash
