Keep Digging

Monday, September 30



Genesis 26:22 (NLT)
“Abandoning 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 “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.””
Devotion

As a token of God's everlasting kindness to him, and as a type of heaven's everlasting promises, Isaac had seen the providence of God in giving him the well he dug called “Rehoboth.” Now before we find Isaac here let’s go back to the beginning of the chapter. 

Isaac had been trained up in a believing dependence upon the divine grant of the land of Canaan to him and his heirs, yet now there is a famine in the land. What shall he think of the promise when the promised land will not give him bread any longer and now he needs to go elsewhere? Is such a grant worth accepting, upon such terms, and after so long a time? Yes! Isaac still clung to the covenant God had made with his father Abraham and his descendants. Isaac chose to obey the Lord no matter what the cost, even if that meant he needed to go to a land in famine, because as we know God always has a plan for where He sends us. 

Isaac found himself in a valley with a promise to behold him. He decided to open the wells that his father had once dug that the Philistines had filled up. In digging his wells he was met with much adversity (vs.20-21). The first two wells which he dug he named Esek and Sitnah, meaning “dispute and opposition.” Those that open the fountains of truth must expect adversity. Yet we should be reminded that Jesus also promised us that He overcame it all (John 16:33). 

Just like Isaac, we must not give up breaking ground where God has called us to do so. We must hold fast to the promises of God’s Word. If Isaac gave up after the two wells were overtaken by the enemy, he would have never experienced the promise of “Rehoboth” the third well, “meaning enlargement and peace.” 

God has a good track record of keeping His promises for all generations (Psalm 100:5). God’s hands are not tied and neither should ours be where He has placed us. Where we plow and sow today, God can grow tomorrow and He can reap the harvest. You may have nothing but tears to sow. May you be encouraged that there is a promise for even tears… that “those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5-6). 

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you.” Hosea‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You that You can make room for me to be fruitful and not to quarrel. I confess that I have sometimes chosen the path of quarreling rather than patiently asking You to make room. I thank You that You promise to be with me always, to the very ends of the earth and to the very end of the age. Show me how to be fruitful, as You showed Isaac how to be fruitful. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Has God put you in your family, your job, your school, your community? Do you wonder, still, whether He will make a way for your success and for your service when you feel others are pushing in on what should be your space? Regardless of the intent or actions of others, God can make a place of peace for you, a place of fruitfulness. Instead of manipulating or scheming to protect your territory, ask God to enlarge your territory. Be excellent in what is good, and innocent of evil, and ask God to take care of the rest (Romans 16:19).

Resources:

  • Watch Sunday’s message, “A Time To Dig”, and gather up all the strength and faith in you to dig and possess God’s promises.
  • God’s blessings come when we work in the place He has assigned us, not while we are idle or waiting for perfect conditions. Join a Free Chapel Serve Team, in person or online, and watch as God ushers you into your blessings.