If we so choose, we can enjoy abundance in a time of transition. Here’s how.
Will you move?
Isaac faced a famine, Genesis 26.1, which threatened his family. God told Isaac to relocate, Genesis 26.2, and promised to bless him, Genesis 26.3.
Isaac stayed in that new place, planted, and reaped a dramatic increase, Genesis 26.12.
As it turned out, that significant gain was just the start. He continued to grow as God blessed him, Genesis 26.13-14.
Isaac sowed. He got back 100 times his investment. The Lord certainly blessed him! He enjoyed abundance, but kept growing until he experienced exceeding abundance. Genesis 26.12-13 paraphrase
Do you see God’s blessings?
Isaac settled where God moved him, digging several wells, Genesis 26.15-25.
During this time of great blessing, God told Isaac to not be afraid, but to enjoy life’s abundance, based on God’s presence, blessing, and multiplication of his efforts, Genesis 26.24.
Fact is, others around Isaac noticed how God was blessing him: “…the Lord was with you…” Genesis 26.28, and “…you are blessed by the Lord” Genesis 26.29.
A Time Line
Most of Genesis Chapter 26 covers no more than ten to twenty years of Isaac’s life.
Isaac inherited wealth from his father, Genesis 25.5: “Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac.” In addition, Isaac enjoyed God’s blessings after his father’s death, Genesis 25.11: “…after the death of Abraham … God blessed his son Isaac …”
Abraham lived to see the birth of Jacob and Esau, but he probably died before the birthright incident between Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25.29-34. Consequently, Abraham died before the famine of Genesis 26.1.
Isaac was in his midlife in Genesis 26.34, but was “old” by Genesis 27.1. As such, there’s a big time gap in his life after Genesis Chapter 26.
An abundant life discovers its divine purpose then accomplishes that life purpose! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Thoughts to Consider
Isaac was already blessed, but God used a crisis to relocate him so he could grow more and be blessed even more. Truly, obedience precedes multiplication. Similarly, sowing precedes multiplication.
The famine of Genesis 26.1 represents any number of challenging life circumstances. For example, a lost job, or an extended illness, the loss of a loved one, a severe break in a relationship, or a promotion you didn’t get. Who we have become on the other side of those difficulties is what matters most.
The wells of Genesis Chapter 26 are a picture of Isaac watering himself and others: “… a well of living water …” Genesis 26.19. Transitions bring ministry opportunities.
Overflow in my life follows the twin disciplines of hard work (well digging) and conflict: ” … the water is ours…” Genesis 26.20. Conversely, wells of blessing are blocked by vindictiveness, narrowmindedness, and selfishness. Therefore, choose abundance!
We walk away from famine at God’s leading. Hence, let go of your past. And, let go of the bitterness and anger in that former place. Human conflict and fear of circumstances don’t lead us to God’s richest blessings!
We move when God leads us; we’re not running away. Instead, we’re pursuing abundance in the next chapter of our life. Therefore, choose life!
For Isaac, there would be other challenges, but this crisis and the resulting blessing was a highpoint in his life. Similarly, don’t draw back from what could be the most productive 10% or so of your life by avoiding a transition. Remember, from Deuteronomy 30.19-20 that God’s blessings are a deliberate choice we make: “…love … the Lord thy God … obey His voice … for He is your life and the length of your days.”
The dramatic blessing of Genesis 26.12 was only a starting point. God blessed Isaac even more. In like manner, our obedience through a time of challenging transition can produce dramatic growth and abundance in our life. Don’t forget the promise of Ephesians 3.20 that God “… is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think …” Pair that promise with First Corinthians 2.9 and Isaiah 64.4: “… eye has not seen … what God has prepared for those that wait for Him.” Certainly, God is with us. He will bless us and will multiply us!
Some Questions to Answer
How can we draw on past transitions and challenges to address a current difficulty?
How does our personal faith figure into handling a difficult transition?
Are transitions more or less difficult to handle as we get older?
Wells by the same name (Genesis 26.18) represent learning across generations of common precepts. What are you learning right now during a life transition that you can share with others?
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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