Isaac seeks to flee a famine, but when he gets to Gerar the LORD visits him and promises to bless him as he blessed his father (2-5). As his father obeyed by faith, so, too, does Isaac agree to God’s direction, and stays in the land (6).

God’s direction for Isaac may seem simple: “stay in the land”, but it was not easy. He had to overcome famine and Philistines. Just like his dad, he lies about his wife, and his family comes under the authority of the king of the Philistines (7-11). Isaac holds to God’s direction to stay in the land and planted crops during a famine. God blesses him with a supernatural harvest, increasing flocks, herds and servants such that he outgrows the Philistines. God delivered him based on his faith.

After this, he had to find a place to settle, which wasn’t easy due to hostility regarding wells. Isaac, holding to God’s direction to stay in the land, kept digging wells, until he found room (22). At Beersheba he again hears from God and builds an altar. God is pleased, and causes his enemies to be at peace with him (Pr 16:7).

Jesus calls us to obedience that produces blessing, with persecutions (Mk 10:30). Let’s embrace this gift of faith with suffering for Jesus (Php 2:29).
Application: Father, help me trust your word of blessing and endure hardship, finding a way by faith.
One Word: Hold to God’s word by faith