There Was Famine, But Isaac Sowed Series

THERE WAS FAMINE, BUT ISAAC SOWED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 26:1-12

Key Verse: “And Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.” (Genesis 26:12)

Supporting Texts: Genesis 12:10-20; Genesis 26:12-33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Proverbs 3:9-10; Philippians 4:19

INTRODUCTION

Life is often filled with seasons of scarcity and challenges. Isaac faced famine, a time when most would have withdrawn or retreated, yet he chose to act in faith. Instead of succumbing to fear, he sowed in the land of promise, demonstrating trust in God’s provision.

Famine represents difficulties, lack, and opposition, yet God honours obedience and perseverance. When we act in faith during challenging seasons, we position ourselves for divine multiplication and supernatural breakthrough.

Isaac’s story reminds us that adversity is not a signal to stop but an opportunity to trust God and walk in obedience. Sowing during famine produces testimony, provision, and honour for God’s name.

1. FAITH DESPITE ADVERSITY

Even in hard times, faith calls for action. Isaac demonstrated that belief in God overrides fear of scarcity.

a) Recognising the famine (Genesis 26:1)

Isaac acknowledged the famine yet did not let it paralyse him. Understanding reality without being overcome by it is key.

b) Trusting God’s provision (Genesis 26:12)

He sowed seeds despite visible lack. Faith believes in unseen resources and divine multiplication.

c) Walking by God’s direction (Genesis 26:3)

Obedience to God’s instruction ensures protection and blessing during difficult seasons.

d) Courage in action (Hebrews 11:7)

Faith requires practical steps; action must accompany belief for divine results.

Biblical Example: Joseph, though sold into slavery and imprisoned, continued to serve faithfully and act wisely, ultimately bringing provision and salvation to many (Genesis 41:39-49).

2. SOWING IN THE MIDST OF SCARCITY

Faithful action, even when resources are limited, unlocks God’s multiplication.

a) Isaac sowed (Genesis 26:12)

He planted seeds even when the land appeared barren.

b) Labouring in obedience (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Sowing generously in faith results in abundant harvest.

c) Trusting unseen outcomes (Philippians 4:19)

God provides supernaturally beyond what is visible.

d) Investment in divine promises

Every effort sown in faith aligns with God’s covenant plan.

Biblical Example: Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz during scarcity, and her obedience led to provision and ultimately positioned her in God’s covenant line (Ruth 2:2-3, 8-12).

3. THE BLESSING OF MULTIPLICATION

Obedience in difficult seasons brings exponential increase and honour.

a) Hundredfold return (Genesis 26:12)

Isaac’s sowing produced unexpected abundance. God honours faith and diligence.

b) Divine favour (Genesis 26:13-14)

Wealth and prosperity followed obedience, signalling God’s blessing.

c) Influence and testimony

Abundance draws attention to God’s power, serving as a testimony to others.

d) Security and legacy (Genesis 26:22)

Reclaimed wells and multiplication ensured stability and future blessing.

Biblical Example: Solomon, though inheriting the throne during a challenging time, obeyed God’s wisdom, and his reign became legendary for wealth, peace, and divine favour (1 Kings 3:10-14; 10:23-25).

4. OBEDIENCE AS THE PATH TO PROMISE FULFILMENT

Faithful action in accordance with God’s will ensures covenant fulfilment.

a) Aligning with God’s word (Genesis 26:3)

Isaac prospered because he followed divine instruction.

b) Walking in integrity (Genesis 26:10-11)

He avoided unnecessary conflict despite opposition.

c) Endurance and patience (James 1:12)

Blessings often require waiting and faithful continuation of obedience.

d) Honour of God manifested

Obedience positions us as vessels through which God demonstrates His power and faithfulness.

Biblical Example: Noah obeyed God’s instruction to build the ark despite ridicule and long waiting, resulting in the preservation of life and covenant continuation (Genesis 6:22; 7:5).

CONCLUSION

Isaac’s decision to sow during famine teaches that faith and obedience are not dependent on circumstances. Acting in trust brings multiplication, favour, and divine honour.

If you face scarcity, opposition, or adversity, let Isaac’s example inspire you to sow in faith, obey God, and trust Him for supernatural provision. God honours diligence in adversity and multiplies the obedient seed.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me the faith to act even in seasons of scarcity in Jesus name.

2. Lord, bless every seed I sow in faith with exponential increase in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen me to trust Your provision in difficult circumstances in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me remain obedient and diligent in every season in Jesus name.

5. Father, let my obedience during trials bring testimony and honour in Jesus name.

6. Lord, multiply my resources and labour beyond expectation in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me courage to sow where others fear to act in Jesus name.

8. Lord, preserve my inheritance and blessings as I walk in obedience in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my faith produce lasting generational impact in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let every effort I make in faith be fully blessed and fruitful in Jesus name.