Fruitful in Famine: God will make room for you!

Trevor S. Ferguson
July 15, 2010

Genesis 26:1-4
1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
2 And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

(See verses 12-22 below)

EXPOSITION
Today’s reading relates a story of how Isaac (Abraham’s son) sowed in a time of famine and reaped one-hundred-fold in the same year. This is somewhat paradoxical as we would expect that the yield from the land would be poor in the time of famine. However, from this story we learn that when we put our trust in God and follow his principles we can achieve that which seems insurmountable and receive that which seems impossible.

A close study of this text reveals five principles that will help us to be fruitful even in times of famine (scarcity) and shows how God can make room and open doors for his people. The five principles are outlined below:

1. Dwell in the Land of Promise - verses 2- 4
God told Isaac that he should not go down into Egypt but that he should dwell in the land that he would instruct him. Often, when faced with difficulties or scarcity our first thought is to move to a place of perceived prosperity. This however may result in our moving out of the place that God has designed for us and moving out of God’s will. In Old Testament typology Egypt represents the “world system”. We should therefore ensure that we are not quick to move into or adopt a world based philosophy when face with difficulties. Let us stay in the place that God has designed for us.

2. Sow in the Land – verse 12
We note that while Isaac dwelt in the land he did not remain passive and wait for “manna” to “drop from heaven". Despite the famine Isaac still sowed and we are told that he received in the same year a hundred fold. Our God is not limited by the situations of our time. There is no situation that He cannot make fruitful. Whatever abilities God has given you, begin to use those abilities and God will bless you. God does not support laziness, so we can’t expect a blessing if we are not willing to work. We can be assured however that when we put our shoulder to the wheels. God will be there to bless.

3. Dig some wells – verses 18-19
Isaac also shows us that we need to use some creativity to facilitate our success. If there is no water from above find another source of supply. In the famine there might have been no rain and rivers might have dried up, but Isaac did not consider this the death of his dreams. He decided to seek alternate sources of water. He dug wells. Similarly, if we come up on situations that are not working out or not possible in our present setting, we need to find alternative sources of supply. Do not limit your efforts to one way of doing things. Broaden your options. If one method fails, use another. Dig your wells.

4. Don’t let the enemy stop your progress – verses 20-22
Note however that people will try to block your blessing. After Isaac dug his wells the Philistines began to make claims on his efforts. This still did not stop Isaac, he just moved to another location and dug again, eventually they had to leave him alone. Ultimately God will make room for you.

5. Back up your efforts with worship – verses 25
In all our efforts we must ensure that we keep a spirit of worship and take time to honour God. Isaac built an altar and called upon the name of the Lord. We must ensure that we spend time in prayer and in worship. If we seek to be blessed by God we must seek to be in right standing with him. We can’t expect God to bless us if we are walking contrary to his will. Worship must therefore be a central part of our lives.

CONCLUSION
Despite the current scarcity of resources you can still flourish. God will make room for you. His desire is for you to have enough and to spare. Philippians 4:19 tells us that “God shall supply all your needs…” Trust him today!

Genesis 26:12-22
12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.
13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
14 For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
15 For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.
16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
18 And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.
19 And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
21 And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.