God's Will And Direction In Feast Or Famine. Genesis 26

2024.07.14.Sermon Notes.Genesis 26. God’s Direction in Feast or Famine.

William Akehurst, HSWC

Big Idea: GOD’s promises are true whether you are going through difficult times or times of plenty. While HE may change the situation to move you into HIS Will, GOD is sovereign to provide HIS Mercy and Grace regardless of your obedience or disobedience, as HE will use it for HIS Purpose.

Key takeaways.

GOD will use whatever situation you find yourself in, to reach you, to move you, to give you direction and to draw you to where HE desires for you to be.

Even when we stray, HE may use Feast or Famine to change our direction.

Famine will cause us to move from where we are.

Feast may cause others to move us from where we are.

The important thing, is to realize that WHEN we are WHERE GOD wants us to be, we will have a heart of worship and praise for HIM, allowing HIM to keep HIS Promises with us.

Scriptures: Genesis 26:1-35, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Psalms 51:5, Romans 14:23, Mark 4:22, 1 Corinthians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Matthew 5:43-48, Romans 2:4, James 3:17, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:40-43

Genesis 26 - Chapter dedicated to Isaac.

Isaac lived longer than his father Abraham and his son Jacob.

Genesis 26:1-35

1 There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar.

Famine in the land. The first famine Isaac experiences. Isaac never had to worry before, always an abundance for his family, servants and flocks.

Most of us, like Isaac, have never had to worry about food, or pray for our daily bread.

Perhaps you have experienced famine in other ways, finances, or relationships, or simply feeling all alone.

And perhaps a famine in your relationship with the LORD GOD.

Life’s famines are not new to others, Abraham faced not knowing where GOD was leading him.

Famines or times of need or lack, or discomfort should draw us closer to GOD.

Paul experienced a thorn in the flesh. (a famine in his life). And yet it caused him to trust GOD more. GOD uses these times to test us to see if we will trust HIM.

MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU. MY STRENGTH IS PERFECT FOR YOUR WEAKNESS.

2Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV)

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh. Keeps him humble and focused.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Peter. The genuineness of your faith is more valuable than gold.

GENUINE FAITH IS PRICELESS.

1 Peter 1:6-7

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Genesis 26:2-5

2 Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; 5 because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”

GOD reminds Isaac of HIS promises.

Isaac didn’t stay and wait for the Lord. He went to Gerar.

HEBREW STUDY. Abimelech. A title not a name. We will see this title many times through scriptures.

Hebrew Root words. Abba and Melech

Abba = Father

Melech = King

“MY FATHER the KING” or “MY KING THE FATHER”.

In all this, Isaac doesn’t seek the Lord. But the LORD responds to his journey. Don’t go to Egypt like Abraham did.