Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Genesis 26 before reading the devotional below.
Well, like father like son… In today’s chapter, Isaac tries to pull the “She’s my sister” stunt that Abraham tried twice. At this point, I’m getting mad about it. Just as we know from the second time Abraham used this half-truth (and in Isaac’s case full-blown lie), the motive was self-preservation. Isaac doesn’t want to get killed, so he puts Rebekah at risk of getting sexually exploited. I am genuinely so angry about this situation, and while God does not share his feelings in this passage he’s generally on the side of the oppressed. Fortunately, Rebekah is not harmed and Isaac makes peace with the neighbors.
God is directly connected to Isaac and talks to him just as he did with Abraham. God reminds Isaac of his promise to give him many descendants. Isaac digs some wells and stakes his claim to the land God has promised. Other nations can see God’s power in Isaac’s life, and they want to stay on his good side. These treaties won’t last forever, but for now the Philistines fear the Lord.
Here’s your freedom for today:
God’s favor opens many doors.
As we read the history in the book of Genesis, we see clearly that God decides where his favor is going to rest. He protects Noah, walks with Abraham, and guides Isaac. He gives them victory and particularly in this time when nations are rising up, God’s evident power is feared by others. God opens and closes doors in our lives, and we have seasons of great prosperity along with seasons of challenge and hardship. Through it all, God is involved and leading. In times of struggle, it can be hard to see God’s goodness. In times of victory, it can be easy to give ourselves a pat on the back and ignore God’s role. Do you believe God has favor for you today?