The Promise of God’s Presence - Genesis 26:1-33

Where do you find comfort? When the waves of life are crashing, to whom or what do you turn? In a world full of counterfeit joys and empty promises, we can be tempted to seek satisfaction in things that ultimately disappoint. For hope that endures, we must hold fast to the promises of God — promises that bring comfort to those who find their hope in the Lord.

On Sunday, Pastor Michael preached on Genesis 26:1-33, reminding us that no matter what problems come our way, we can hold on to the promises of God.

Isaac, like his father Abraham, experienced a famine. Abraham went to Egypt when this happened to him, but the Lord told Isaac not to go there. The Lord had a plan for Isaac, and Isaac could trust that God would keep the promises He made to Abraham.

Isaac went to Gerar, but committed the same sin Abraham had earlier; in fear, he pretended his wife was his sister, in order to avoid being killed. Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, found out that Isaac had lied to him, and rebuked him. 

Graciously, the Lord protected Isaac and Rebekah. Not only that, He provided generously for them. Isaac become extremely wealthy, and the Philistines envied him. Abimelech told Isaac to go away from them, and Isaac encamped in the Valley of Gerar. As Isaac’s herdsmen dug wells, the herdsman of Gerar quarreled with them, but eventually they dug a well without the other herdsmen quarreling over it. Isaac understood that the Lord had made room for them, and they would be fruitful in the land (see v. 22).

Isaac went to Beersheba, and the Lord appeared to him. He told him not to fear, for He was with him and would bless him and multiply his offspring for Abraham’s sake (see v. 24). Abimelech recognized that the Lord had been with Isaac, and they made a covenant to keep peace between them.

Before Isaac sojourned in Gerar, the Lord told him He would be with him. After Isaac saw how the Lord had made room for them, the Lord told Isaac He was with him.

Christians today can hold fast to the promise of God’s presence. As Michael said, for Christians, “God’s presence is certain because someone else has secured the covenant on your behalf.” Having been reconciled to God through Christ, Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Even if we wrestle with persistent sins or experience challenging circumstances, we can trust that God will not abandon His church.

Resource:

Reflection Questions:

  • When have you made a decision out of fear, rather than faith?

  • How does the gospel bring comfort to Christians, even in challenging circumstances?

  • Does your daily life reflect that God’s presence is enough for you?

Delight in the WordJohn Giulianichurch in saline, church near me, church in ypsilanti, churches in ann arbor, church, church plant, churches near me, church plants near me, churches in ypsilanti, church in ann arbor, Church Plant, churches in saline, local church, new church, baptist churches near me, baptist churches, Treasuring Christ Church, treasuring Christ church, southern baptist church, southern baptist churches near me