Verse of the day: Genesis 26:22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, "For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."
We read yesterday that the Philistines were envious of the prosperity that God blessed Isaac with. The result of that envy was that there was strife between the herdsmen of Gerar and the herdsmen of Isaac (v. 20). The Philistines stopped up the wells that were dug in the days of Abraham (v. 15); and Abimelech, seeing how God was working in Isaac's life, became fearful of his increase in prosperity and power (v. 16). As God blessed Isaac, persecution also followed along. However, rather than claim his right to the wells that were dug in his father's day, Isaac chose to move and dig another well in a different location, only to experience the same conflict (v. 18-19). Isaac's reaction to these conflicts that arose from his attempts to live quietly in Gerar is a good example for us who are born again believers living in a world that will persecute us for our beliefs. Jesus said, in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Romans 12 tells us not to recompense evil for evil, but provide all things honest before men. If it is possible, as much as lies within us, live peaceably with all men. Hebrews 12:14 tells us to follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. In order to do this, we must also obey God in His command to forgive others. The bottom line is that we live in a fallen world; one that is filled with jealousy, envy, and persecution. This is the reason why, when we seek only after material blessings, and prestige, in this world, we are not guaranteed peace and tranquility. Too many Christians have fallen for the lie that convinces them that having more of the material things, money, and power, will bring them peace. The only One who can guarantee us peace, and joy, is Jesus. He told us in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Isaac's response was the correct response for the situation at hand. We, as children of God, should be wiser in the way we approach conflict; and rather than see it as this unbearably troubling circumstance, we have an alternative. We can trust God, that He is allowing the situation for a reason. What if we, as a child of God, found ourselves in this same situation? Rather than fight and argue, what if we used this conflict to allow God to move us to the exact place He wanted us to be in? God can, and will, sometimes, use conflict and difficult situations, to not only help us to grow and mature in our faith, but also to move us, and guide us to the place He wants us to be in. Isaac, took the peaceful route, and eventually ended up in a place where he would finally find peace, and the Philistines would not oppose him or try to move him. The bottom line is that if God did not want him to move from any of his previous locations, no Philistine, or army, would be able to move him; if that was God's plan for him and his family. He trusted God, did not allow the Philistines to rob him of his peace, and eventually found a place where he and his family could settle. We, who have Christ, too often, because of our pride, insist on "not letting anyone get the best of us", and ultimately bring a blemish to our testimony, because we respond like the world, when we experience conflict. Just like Isaac demonstrated his faith in God by choosing a peaceful solution, even giving up his rights and moving somewhere else; we too must learn how to be slow to quarrel, and choose the road of peace, even if it means giving up our rights for the moment. Our God can intervene on our behalf and deliver us from anything we face. However, there are times when He just wants us to be silent, trust Him, and just move along. Jesus chose not to revile when He was reviled (1 Peter 2:23), and was obedient, even unto death (Philippians 2:8). We must not let our pride get the best of us in conflicts, or allow our anger, and sense of being treated unfairly, to control our attitude or the things we say when we find ourselves in conflict with others; especially when we are persecuted for how God is working in our lives. Count your blessings, and prayerfully seek to be the peacemakers God commands us to be in a world that already has enough conflict without us adding to it.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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