January 22, 2021
God always holds true to what He has promised. He gave a generational promise to Abraham. "In you," God said, "All the families of the earth will be blessed" (Genesis 12).
After his death, his son, Isaac, becomes the next leader of the family. God speaks to Isaac, confirming the promise He had given to his father, Abraham. At two critical faith junctures, God appears to Isaac.
THE NEEDED CONFIRMATIONS
God reaffirmed the family promise when Isaac was tempted to head to Egypt and leave Canaan.
The Lord appeared to him and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham. I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 26:2-4).
Later, when Isaac found a place that had room for him in Beersheba, God comes again.
The Lord appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, for the sake of My servant Abraham" (Genesis 26:24).
Whenever Isaac needed it, God assured him that He would fulfill the promises He made to his father.
THE EVIDENT BLESSING
God fulfilled these promises to Issac. It was so clear what God was doing that even his enemies recognized God's hand upon His servant.
(Abimelech) said, "We see plainly the LORD has been with you … You are now the blessed of the LORD" (Genesis 26:28-29).
God will meet us where we are. When we doubt and struggle in faith, God is gracious to come and remind us (again) of His promises. And He is faithful. Promises He made to our ancestors that involve us will be fulfilled! God has rich, personal promises He longs to make and accomplish in our life as we look to Him. He is not limited by time or history. What He has said, He will accomplish.
Father, thank You for Your perfect, deliberate faithfulness. Thank You that what You do for me can bless my children and grandchildren for generations. Thank You that You are committed to Your promises and purposes to me and those who follow me. Magnify Your work through our family so that the world can see and bow before Your faithfulness.
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