FACING ADVERSITIES
Text: Genesis 26
10 July 2012
(I) FACING ADVERSITIES
1. To be accepted as a part of life
2. To be seen as a time of testing
3. To be appreciated as opportunities for learning and growing
4. To be passed down as vital lessons to the next generation(s)
(II) THE ADVERSITIES ISAAC FACED
1. Harassment
a) The wells Abraham had dug were now filled with earth (Genesis 26:15)
b) Forced to move as far away from the domain of Abimelech (Genesis 26:16)
2. Re-locating
a) Starting over
b) Finding the wells Abraham had dug (Genesis 26:17-18)
c) Naming the wells (Genesis 26:18)
3. More opposition
a) Dispute with the herdsmen of Gerar over a well (Esek) (Genesis 26:19-20)
b) Second dispute over another well (Sitnah) (Genesis 26:21)
(III) NO MORE DISPUTE
1. A third well was dug (Rehoboth) (Genesis 26:22)
2. Acknowledging God’s mercy and provision (Genesis 26:23)
(IV) MANIFESTATION OF GOD TO ISAAC
1. At Beersheba (Genesis 26:23)
2. Assuring words (Genesis 26:24)
a) I am the God of Abraham
b) Do not fear
c) I am with you
d) I will bless you
e) And multiply your descendants
f) For My servant Abraham’s sake
3. Isaac’s Response
a) Built an altar (Genesis 26:25a)
b) Called on the name of the Lord (Genesis 26:25b)
c) Pitched his tent there (to dwell in the land) (Genesis 26:25c)
d) Digging of another well successfully (Genesis 26:25d)