Now there was a famine in the land besides the previous famine in Abraham’s time and Isaac went to Abimelek king of the Philistines in Gerar. The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live.”. Genesis 26:1-2
In every life situation, there are two ways out. The first and most obvious is to try and navigate your way around it. The second but less popular approach is to seek and follow instruction from the LORD.
I have discovered over time, that nothing exposes our relationship with GOD like tough situations do. Let me put it this way, problems are a litmus test for our relationship with the LORD. Exposing fault lines, revealing thresholds of Faith, points of weakness, our commitment to Him and the validity of the faith we profess.
For the LORD to truly examine our hearts, He introduces a method called APPLIED PRESSURE in form of famine, luck, hunger, delays, frustration, setbacks and a lot of other less desirable tools available at His disposal which we have sadly misunderstood and allocated to our adversary. It’s when we are hard pressed that we are actually willing to listen, bend and adjust. Every metal bends under extreme heat and pressure, unfortunately so do we.
Depending on where you stand with Him, problems are a platform for accelerated headway once you follow His every instruction. Isaacs initial thought was to head to Egypt, God would have Him do otherwise. His success depended on Him following the LORDS instruction, so does yours. He was required to stay and plant seed at a time when others were choosing to flee to a safe place. There is no such place as a safe abode, our safety is in Him.
Even as you ponder in your heart regarding what to do in the middle of Gods tool of choice, remember that He doesn’t apply pressure to destroy you but to bend you towards the fulfilment of His plans for you. Incline your heart to understand Him and listen to His voice in your current mud. FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTION, hidden in there is the path to what you’re looking for.
How you feel and react to your current situation says a lot about your relationship with Him. If your current problem doesn’t draw you close to Him then its failed in fulfilling its intended purpose and a missed growth opportunity.
Prayer Path
Dear Father, I thank you for your Word. Please instruct me regarding the situation I am in right now. I would rather wait on you than go alone without you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Your Friend,
Pastor Mark A. Odeke
FWTHS
