JANUARY 19, 2024
Topic: THE MANIFESTATION OFGOD’S PRESENCE RESOLVES PROBLEMS
Text: Genesis 26: 1-31
Memory Verse: Genesis 26:2-“The LORD appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you”.
Life they say is all about problem solving. Every day we have one problem or the other confronting us as Jesus had said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace… In this world, you will have trouble…” When we are faced with those challenges, what do we do? Where do we go? Are questions begging for answers?
Isaac the covenant son of Abraham faced a big problem of famine, enemy territory, and fear just as his father had faced. Instead of responding in faith, he responded in fear. He planned to run away. We would be living in fear when God’s presence and promises are not enough for us.
To solve the problem, in the text for today, the Lord made three declarations of His presence with Isaac. The first declaration is in the future tense and is stated in verse 3.
God says, “I will be with you.” The second declaration is in the present tense and is stated in verse 24. God says, “I am with you.” The third declaration is in the past tense and is stated in verse 28. Some other characters who had been observing Isaac’s life said to him, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you.” Three declarations of God’s presence with Isaac resolved the problem of famine that Isaac was facing.
As you step out today, be assured that people may not be able to solve your problems, properties may not be able to solve them, but the promise of the presence of God is with you no matter what you face so that you are never alone.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you that you can handle whatever comes our way. Help us to turn to you and to trust you at all times in Jesus’ name.