In this modern age, we use PCs and have to "log in" our passwords in order to access the various programs or sites and gain usage. Similarly, in these troubled times, how do we "log in" to God and His covenant promise ? Remember that God is a covenant keeping God, and even in the best or worst of times, He is there with us and for us and His promises are "Yes and in Him, Amen !"In the Bible, there is a story of a famine recorded in Genesis 26 for which Isaac was given specific instructions to follow. Although our current world financial crisis has not caused widespread famine yet, it can be likened to a financial famine for many especially to those who have lost their jobs and every asset that they ever had. Let us observe what God told Isaac and how He kept His covenant and blessed him even in a famine situation :
1. Do Not Rely On Old Ways Of Provision
The first instruction given when God appeared to Isaac during the famine was in verse 3 : "Do not go down to Egypt". The natural tendency for human beings in a disaster situation or when they face financial challenges is to "go to Egypt". We have borrowed before, just take a personal loan to tide over first, let's mortgage the house, let's emigrate to Australia, etc.
We do all things in the natural which seems to be the "right thing to do" and limit God to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory. God is a creative God. He can make a way where there seems to be no way. Trust Him with an open and renewed mind and He will come through for you.
We do all things in the natural which seems to be the "right thing to do" and limit God to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory. God is a creative God. He can make a way where there seems to be no way. Trust Him with an open and renewed mind and He will come through for you.
2. Dwell In The Land Which I Shall Tell You
The second instruction to Isaac was : "Dwell in the land which I shall tell you". After this second instruction, God reminded Isaac that He will keep His promises as given to his father Abraham. In troubled times, we tend to worry and think : "Should I go for a better job ?, What if I get retrenched ?, I better save for a rainy day...etc". Most times, God will want us to just be still and stay where we are and know that He is God. Proverbs 3 : 5 - 6 reads : "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." There is a Chinese proverb which says that when you reach a crooked bridge, it will straighten out by itself. Choose whom or what you want to put your trust in.
3. Presence Of God Will Be With You
God assured Isaac that He will be with him when he sojourn and dwell in the land where He will show him. In troubled times, the Presence of God in us is our everything. We must learn to stay in His Presence in abounding and lean times. Most Malaysians and Christians alike have been so blessed that we only know how to bless the Lord and know His Presence in good times. May we be ever more sensitive to His leading and ever aware of His Presence in us.
4. God Blesses You & Your Descendants
The story in Genesis 26 continue to assure the reader that God keeps His covenant and reminded Isaac of His covenant with Isaac's father, Abraham. We may forget the promises of God, but God will keep His part of the covenant and fulfill it. Our side of the covenant is to remain in Him as Jesus is the fulfillment of all the laws, statutes and commandments. We are the head and not the tail and even in crisis times, God can still bless us and even transfer the wealth of the world (or unrighteous) to the righteous (that's us - the righteousness of Christ).
5. Do Not Cease To Sow
Whilst God is a covenant keeping God, that doesn't absolve us of doing our bit. In verse 12, Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The LORD blessed him and the man became rich and gained more and more until he became very wealthy." In "famine times", we must continue to sow into His Kingdom (i.e. tithe) and work hard and we will reap a bountiful harvest. The world's system is one of borrowing and lending but God's Kingdom principle is one of sowing and reaping. I have heard of so many testimonies where even in economic downturns, the church's tithes and offerings went up and many are still blessed. I am not saying it will be true for all Christians, but He will meet all our needs, not necessarily our wants.
6. Reaping A Hundredfold
Consistent to the parable of the sower, how we sow will reap us the kind of harvest we will get. Those who sow sparingly into His Kingdom will also reap sparingly. Crisis time is a good time to exercise our faith. Give your dues to God and let Him prove Himself strong in meeting all your needs. Let us all keep the faith and reap a hundredfold like Isaac.
Look to God as He is indeed a covenant keeping God. God is with you, no matter what. Remain in Him and He will remain in you. He's got the whole world in His Hands and God is still on the throne. God Bless and have yourself a very blessed Christmas and bountiful New Year 2009 !
Look to God as He is indeed a covenant keeping God. God is with you, no matter what. Remain in Him and He will remain in you. He's got the whole world in His Hands and God is still on the throne. God Bless and have yourself a very blessed Christmas and bountiful New Year 2009 !
