Often we think that we know what is best for us. Our education, experiences and our knowledge of the world give us the unwavering confidence that whatever we decide for ourselves would definitely be for our own good. On the basis of our own assessment of our situations and circumstances we make decisions and later those decisions turn around and make us. Is it not true that there were times in our lives, when our own judgements went wrong? Our thought for reflection this morning is, “Our God Alone Knows What is Best for Us”.
The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you”
(Genesis 26:2-3)
Just as when Canaan was in the grip of famine Abraham went to Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20), his son Isaac too considered going to Egypt (Genesis 26:1) to escape from the famine in Canaan. Thus, an unfavourable situation forced Isaac to decide to move to Egypt. But Yahweh, knowing what the best was for Isaac, commanded him not to leave Canaan in spite of the famine there. (Genesis 26:2). As per God’s command, Isaac decided to remain in Canaan because of two reasons.
1. God promised His presence.
Our all-knowing God could have asked Isaac not to go to Egypt to prevent Isaac from experiencing the same difficulties that his father Abraham had experienced in Egypt. Further, God could have asked Isaac to stay in Canaan as that would be the place where His promises to his father and his descendants was going to be fulfilled. God managed to convince Isaac not to move to Egypt by saying “I will be with you” and assuring him of His presence. This gives us the confidence that if God is with us, we can survive and succeed even in the worst situation. Are we currently in the process of making a major decision in our life, career, business or ministry but without being sure of what God wants us to do?
2. God promised His provision.
Secondly, God promised Isaac that He would bless and provide him all the lands of Canaan:
“I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed”
(Genesis 26:4).
God was in fact repeating to Isaac the promises he had made to Abraham (Genesis 13:14-18; 17:1-8). When Isaac realized that God was going to provide what he needed to live in Canaan, the Bible says
“So Isaac stayed in Gerar”
(Genesis 26:6).
Considering always greener pastures, are we often deciding things at the spur of the moment and without even knowing what God wants us to do or not to do?
Terry Mark says,
“God will always give us what is best for us at the right time.”
We just shouldn’t give up on Him even when it seems we aren’t getting what we so much love or want now. If we are in the midst of making a major decision in our lives, shall we look up to God to know what He thinks is best for us. Let’s pray.
“Dear Lord, I sincerely believe that you alone know what is best for me and my family. I trust that if I remain where you want me to be, your presence and provision would be sufficient to me. Just as you clearly guided Isaac when he was about to leave for Egypt, guide me too in the paths that you have planned for me. Help me to be obedient to you!
In Jesus’ name,... Amen!”
Blessed weekend