RE-DIGGING THE WELLS OF THE FATHERS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 26:12-22
Key Verse: “And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.” (Genesis 26:18)
Supporting Texts: Genesis 21:25-34; Genesis 26:12-33; Proverbs 13:22; Isaiah 58:12; Philippians 3:13-14
INTRODUCTION
Throughout life, we often inherit spiritual legacies from our forefathers: blessings, promises, and even unfulfilled destinies. Sometimes these blessings lie dormant or are taken over by opposition, misunderstanding, or neglect. Reclaiming them requires courage, faith, and divine guidance.
Isaac faced opposition when he tried to maintain and expand the wells his father Abraham had dug. These wells represented wealth, sustenance, and covenant blessings. The enemy or worldly interference had stopped them, but Isaac chose to dig again and reclaim what rightfully belonged to him.
This principle is vital for believers today. Spiritual inheritance and generational blessings may be lost due to inactivity, compromise, or opposition, but God calls His children to “re-dig” and reclaim every lost covenantal blessing through faith, prayer, and diligence.
1. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WELLS
Wells symbolize provision, sustenance, and divine favour. They represent the spiritual and material inheritance from previous generations.
a) Wells as sources of life (Genesis 26:18)
Water is essential for life, just as God’s blessings sustain the believer. Reclaiming the wells restores provision and vitality.
b) Wells as spiritual heritage (Genesis 21:25,26)
Abraham’s wells were not just for sustenance; they represented covenant blessings handed down.
c) Wells as testimony (Genesis 26:19-20)
Wells establish a visible mark of God’s faithfulness in a generation.
d) Wells as a reminder of diligence (Proverbs 13:22)
Faithful work ensures inheritance for future generations.
Biblical Example: Isaac dug the wells his father Abraham had dug and named them the same, demonstrating respect and continuation of divine provision (Genesis 26:18-22).
2. OPPOSITION IN RECLAIMING HERITAGE
Reclaiming what has been lost is often met with resistance. The enemy and human antagonism try to block progress.
a) Conflict over wells (Genesis 26:15-17)
The Philistines stopped the wells, showing that opposition often accompanies restoration efforts.
b) Disputes demand persistence (Genesis 26:21-22)
Isaac refused to fight; instead, he persevered by digging again. Persistence is key in spiritual and material reclamation.
c) Opposition as confirmation (James 1:2-4)
Resistance proves the value and importance of the inheritance.
d) Victory through obedience (Isaiah 54:17)
God promises that no weapon formed against His children will ultimately prevail.
Biblical Example: Nehemiah faced significant opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, yet through prayer and persistence, he completed the work (Nehemiah 4:6-9).
3. THE ACT OF RE-DIGGING
Re-digging requires initiative, faith, and prayerful action. It is a declaration that God’s covenant and promises cannot be permanently stopped.
a) Reclaiming lost blessings (Genesis 26:18)
Isaac did not abandon the wells; he restored them to their original glory.
b) Naming after fathers (Genesis 26:18)
He honoured the legacy while reclaiming the blessing.
c) Diligence and labour (Proverbs 12:24)
Active engagement is necessary to restore what has been neglected.
d) Divine guidance in reclamation (Psalm 127:1)
Restoration of inheritance must be guided by God for sustainable success.
Biblical Example: Joseph, after years in Egypt, restored the dreams and purpose God had given him, eventually providing for his family and preserving the covenantal line (Genesis 41:39-43).
4. BLESSINGS OF RECLAIMED WELLS
Re-digging brings prosperity, testimony, and divine favour back into the believer’s life.
a) Abundance and increase (Genesis 26:12)
Isaac’s fields yielded a hundredfold, showing that restored inheritance brings multiplication.
b) Peace and security (Genesis 26:22)
No more disputes arose once the wells were successfully reclaimed.
c) Continuity of covenant (Genesis 26:24)
The reclaimed wells reaffirmed God’s promises to Isaac and future generations.
d) Testimony for generations (Isaiah 58:12)
Reclaimed inheritance becomes a legacy of faith for descendants.
Biblical Example: The Israelites, after returning from exile, restored the temple and worship practices, reclaiming the spiritual and national heritage intended for them (Ezra 1:1-4).
CONCLUSION
Re-digging the wells of the fathers is about restoring what was once lost through faith, perseverance, and divine guidance. Isaac’s example teaches that opposition cannot permanently hinder God’s covenant blessings.
If you have lost spiritual or material inheritance, it is time to rise, dig again, and reclaim your rightful legacy. Trust God, persevere through opposition, and honour the covenant promises of your fathers.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me reclaim every lost blessing and inheritance in Jesus name.
2. Lord, strengthen my faith to persevere against opposition in Jesus name.
3. Father, guide my efforts as I re-dig the wells of my spiritual heritage in Jesus name.
4. Lord, restore every lost provision and covenant blessing in Jesus name.
5. Father, let no enemy permanently hinder my inheritance in Jesus name.
6. Lord, bless my diligence and labour in restoring what has been lost in Jesus name.
7. Father, make my restored wells a testimony for future generations in Jesus name.
8. Lord, establish peace and security over every area of restoration in Jesus name.
9. Father, multiply the blessings I reclaim beyond expectation in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my life reflect the faithfulness of God in re-establishing what belongs to me in Jesus name.
