Genesis 26:17-22 (ESV)
"(17) So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. (18) And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names his father had given them. (19) But when Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, (20) the herdsman of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsman, saying, "The water is ours." So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. (21) Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. (22) And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, Saying, "For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."
Contention doesn't always mean an attack
If most of us were in Isaac's situation we would most likely believe that this is the work of the enemy. We are in a place where we have overcome so much and now it's time to settle and have a season of peace but it feels like the battles never cease. It's so impressive to see Isaac never say anything but move on to the next location and then move on again until he finds the place with no contention. He also calls the well "Rehoboth", which means, "The Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the Land." I see a man who didn't perceive the contention as an attack but the Lord directing him to where He wants him to settle. If we know the Lord is directing our steps and believe He has our best interest at heart then the fact that we can't settle yet is due to the Lord moving us farther away. Does this mean that the enemy won't attack us...of course not. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. I think it's wise to discern what season you are in. If you are in a season where you are already settled in a land and now invaders are coming to take it then fight But if you are sojourning and following where the Lord leads know he will make room for you. It's not by human effort because God wants the glory.
Just remember in every season we need to take moments to pause, assess, and pray. Make sure you are in the place the Lord wants you to be so that you can "flourish in the Land".
Let's Pray
Dear heavenly Father, I need you. I need you close, I need you close so that I can hear you more clearly. Help me have discernment. Help me to know if this is a moment to fight or a moment to move on. I know that when you lead and have control my worries are taken care of. LIke Jesus prayed "Not my will but your will be done". Nothing else matters but living a life pleasing to you. Let your word be alive in me today, In Jesus' name, Amen.
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