Gen.26 Isaac had many similarities to his father Abraham: both believed in God, would receive the same promises, experienced times of famine, sought relief by going south and encountering Philistine kings (Abimelech); both tried to pass off their wives as sisters in order to save their necks but were rebuked for it. In contrast, Isaac was stopped by God on his way to Egypt and told to remain in those lands. If he remained, God would bless him. Isaac obeyed and prospered throughout his stay.
Isaac found water wherever he dug, having unearthed many of his father’s old wells. Problems arose when the jealous philistines claimed the wells for themselves and forced Isaac to move to the outskirts of the land. Nevertheless, Isaac prospered and dug new wells, finding fresh water. What is striking is how Isaac‘s prosperity was not based on dad’s past victories, but his own walk with God. He may have tried to live off of dad’s glory days, but by yielding to God in the midst of his own personal challenges, Isaac experienced his own set of victories.
How about you? Are you living off the victories of others or have you yielded to the call of God on your life, trusting in Him and receiving His provision? Are you following the footsteps of others or are you walking with Him, step by step? Like Isaac, you may be challenged, pushed around or lose things you worked hard for, yet when you walk with the Lord in obedience good things happen. Lastly, are you just digging around life without God and coming up empty? If so, know that He is calling you today. Yield your life to Jesus. The same God who favored Isaac, favors you. Respond to His call and experience the blessings prepared for you… you dig?