A Time to Dig | Bryan Woodson

Sunday, September 29

Scriptures

Genesis 26:1-6, 12-24, Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 43:18-19, Proverbs 14:30, Matthew 5:5, Hebrews 12:12-13.

Introduction

In this week’s message, “Time to Dig” by Pastor Bryan Woodson, we delve into the life of Isaac as described in Genesis 26. Isaac's journey reflects the struggles and triumphs we all face when walking in obedience to God. In the midst of famine and opposition, Isaac kept digging wells, not for his comfort alone, but as a testament of his faith in God’s promise.

The story reminds us that God often calls us to persevere in difficult circumstances, to dig deep spiritually, and to trust that in His time, He will make space for us to prosper. Just as Isaac found "Rehoboth," a place of open space and peace (Genesis 26:22), we are called to keep pressing forward, knowing that God is with us, ready to bless the work of our hands.

What part of Sunday's sermon resonated with you the most, and why?
Can you share a personal experience where you felt like you were 'digging wells' during a challenging time?

Meekness | Power Harnessed with Discipline

In this week’s lesson, Pastor Bryan speaks about Isaac in the land of Canaan. During a drought he digs a well that is contested by the locals. As opposed to fighting them for the rights of the well (which he was powerful enough to do) he chose to yield the well for the sake of peace. Again, he dug a second well and the same occurred. It wasn’t until he dug a third well that it wasn’t contested.

The lesson in the story is reinforced by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He says,

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5)

The Greek word for meek, praeis, means gentle, humble, and mild. It is not to be confused with weakness. Meekness is strength under control; it is power harnessed with discipline.

In what ways can we, like Isaac, choose peace and meekness in situations where we have the right or the power to fight back? Share a personal experience or imagine a scenario where choosing meekness could lead to a greater blessing or peace.

Meekness is not just a moral virtue but as a Christian grace, a fruit of the Spirit central to living out our faith in Jesus Christ.

It is control under stress. In Elliot’s commentary, he describes the influence of meekness as greater than any impulsive, passionate reaction. It is the peace that comes as a result of self-control that yields happiness and joy.

Meekness Lived Out

To exercise meekness is to be long-suffering, not returning evil for evil, and not allowing resentment to arise because of an injury or injustice. It is those who remain silent and bear insults, as Isaac did when those around him contested his work. Isaac could have fought for any of those wells and likely won, but he chose to let each well go and move on to where God was leading him.

Although God desires meekness in His followers, our modern culture, narcissism and egotism fight against the concept of meekness. We are encouraged to assert ‘our rights’, ‘our wants’, and ‘our needs’ over others. We value ‘might makes right’. But Jesus paints a different picture. He Himself was the epitome of meekness.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29

In our struggle to control our passions, we are not left to our own means to accomplish this.

Jesus calls us to learn from him as he is "meek and lowly in heart." Considering the current cultural push towards narcissism and egotism, how can individuals practice meekness in their personal and professional lives? Share examples or personal experiences where choosing meekness led to an unexpected or positive outcome.

The illustration of meekness, given by Pastor Bryan, was of a Thoroughbred horse, who is bred to race. Yet this 1500 lb. horse can submit and yield his power and passion in a docile manner, through the use of the bridle and reins and the trust of his rider. We also have the ability to exercise meekness through the guidance of the Word and the trust that comes from a personal relationship with Christ.

We are not left to our own devices in controlling our passions and exercising meekness. Discuss how faith and spiritual guidance can help someone develop meekness. What specific teachings or Scriptures encourage long-suffering and not returning evil for evil?

Meekness Comes With a Promise

Meekness produces peace, it comes from the ability to see beyond any insults directed by others and see God’s providence. Meekness comes with a promise. For Isaac, it was the promise of prosperity (Genesis 26:24).

Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herders of Gerar quarreled with those of Isaac and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.” Genesis 26:19-21 (NIV)

Note that Isaac did not label the people who contested him but labeled the wells after the problem. The first contested well he named Esek which means argument. He named the second well contested Sitnah, which means hostility. God then led Isaac to the third well:

He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, “Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.” Genesis 26:22 (NIV)

Isaac walked away from an argument (Genesis 26:19). He abandoned hatred, he moved on to dig another well. It is the realization that we are better than trivial arguing, we are made for more.

What is not working for you that may need to be abandoned? God creates enough space to prosper.

In Matthew 5:5, Jesus says that the meek will inherit the earth. The term ‘inherit the earth’ was a reference to denote a glorious blessing. As we walk with the Lord, it is important to remember that His promise to prosper us is for today and for eternity ~ for our faithful obedience.

Seeing Beyond Yesterday

As we reflect on the peace and promise that meekness brings into our lives, it's also crucial to look forward with expectation. Just as Isaac moved forward to new wells, we too must focus on what lies ahead.

Isaiah 43:18-19 is a powerful reminder that God is always at work, creating new opportunities and paths in our lives, even when circumstances seem barren or hopeless.

18 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

In verse 18, God is encouraging us to release what holds us back—whether it’s past mistakes, failures, or even successes. Clinging to the past can prevent us from seeing what God is doing right now. In practical terms, this means letting go of the past, trusting that God’s plan for your future is far greater than anything behind you.

What areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to release or let go of? How can you actively trust Him with your future?

Not only is God inviting us to forget and not dwell on the past, but He also wants us to open our eyes to the fresh, new opportunities He is creating. Read verse 19 again. In our daily lives, this means being open to change, growth, and even challenges, trusting that God is using them to bring about something new and good.

Are there any opportunities or new directions in your life that you feel God is leading you towards? How can you step forward in faith, even if it seems challenging or unfamiliar?

Can you think of a situation where God brought something new and good out of a difficult or challenging time? How did that experience help you grow?

Conclusion

Isaac's story teaches us that when faced with challenges, it's not time to retreat or give up—it’s time to dig deeper into our faith. There will be times when we need to move on from conflict or strife, but God has a place of peace and prosperity prepared for those who are faithful. Just as Isaac named his final well "Rehoboth," which means “room to grow,” God desires to give us space to flourish. As we continue to trust Him and dig the spiritual wells in our lives, He will provide, bless, and make a way in ways we never expected. Let us hold on to His promises and keep moving forward in faith.

Prayer

God can do the impossible right where we are—He can bring streams in the wasteland and make a way in the wilderness. (See Isaiah 43:19). It's time to abandon fear, failure, and past offenses and move forward into what God has for us.

Resources

YouTube

Audio Podcast

Bonus | Sermon Notes & Application Questions

Scripture Reference: Genesis 26:1-6, 12-24

The story of Isaac in a foreign land during a famine serves as a lesson for us today.

How do you think Isaac felt when God instructed him to stay in Gerar during the famine?

Can you relate to a time when you felt you were in the wrong place at the right time?

1. Every Generation Faces Famine:

Key Scripture: Genesis 26:1

Famines are a recurring part of human life. Just as Isaac faced a famine, we too face spiritual, emotional, or physical famines.
God's promise to Isaac in the midst of famine: “Stay in this land, and I will bless you.”
Main principle: Stay put and prosper despite difficult circumstances.
Share an experience where you or someone you know chose to 'stay put and prosper' despite challenging circumstances.

2. Sowing in the Famine:

Key Scripture: Genesis 26:12
Isaac sowed in a land of famine and reaped a hundredfold because of God's blessing.
God blesses hard work, even when conditions seem unfavorable.
Application: Sow in the land God has placed you in, whether it seems productive or not.

Can you share a personal story or example of when you or someone else sowed in faith during tough times and saw God's blessings?

3. God’s Cathedral Mindset:

God works through generations. He sees beyond our present circumstances, building a legacy through us.
Like Isaac, we are part of God’s generational plan.
What legacy are you hoping to leave for future generations in your family or community?

4. Abandoning Fights and Pursuing Peace:

Key Scripture: Genesis 26:19-22
Isaac encountered opposition when digging wells, but instead of fighting, he moved on, pursuing peace.
Every fight is not worth fighting. Meekness (strength under control) is often more powerful than engaging in every conflict.
Application: Let go of unnecessary battles and trust God to provide.

Why do you think Isaac chose peace over conflict when his wells were contested? What can we learn from his actions?

In what areas of your life could you practice more meekness or choose peace over unnecessary conflicts?

5. Legacy and Restoration:

Isaac restored the wells his father Abraham had dug, signifying legacy and honoring what came before him.
There is a need to reclaim and restore what has been lost in our spiritual lives and families.
What spiritual or familial wells (traditions, practices, values) do you think need to be restored in your life or community?

6. Digging New Wells:

Key Scripture: Genesis 26:22
Isaac eventually dug a well in Rehoboth, where no one quarreled, and named it because God had given him “room to flourish.”
Sometimes we need to keep moving, digging new wells, and trusting God for provision.
Application: It’s time to dig new wells in faith, sow where we are, and believe for a hundredfold return.

Discuss a time when you had to move on from an old situation to 'dig a new well.' What was the outcome?

7. Work While You Wait:

God's blessing comes when we work in the place He has assigned us, not while we are idle or waiting for perfect conditions.
Like Isaac, we must keep working and sowing, even when we are waiting for God’s promises to come to fruition.
Share examples of how working in faith has led to unexpected blessings in your life or in the lives of others you know.

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