Don’t Run

Now there was a famine in the land... (2) 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. I will be with you and bless you." Genesis 26:1-3 NIV

When famine hit the land, Isaac's first inclination was to leave. But the Lord clearly told him to stick it out. When "famine" occurs in our lives, our reactions are the same: "I've got to get out of here" or "I must not be in God's will." Yet if we run prematurely, we miss the opportunity to experience God's provision and blessing.

It's difficult to survive some days when we feel dry, thirsty and neglected and we see others around us who are healthy, spiritually well fed and flourishing. Yet it is those dry, desert experiences that often yield the greatest victories in our lives.

Immediately after Jesus was baptized, He was led into the desert to be tested. It was hot, dry and miserable. He was faced with the same choices we are: Stay in the heat until the Lord is finished working in us or take the easy way out. Elevate yourselves above your problems or humble yourselves before the Lord. Fulfill your fleshly desires to help you feel better or abstain and see how the Lord provides.

Jesus and Isaac withstood their desert challenges and emerged stronger, more aware of the provision of the Lord and more powerful in their walk.

If you re feeling the urge to "run" today from your problems, your church, your job or any circumstances stop and ask the Lord if this is His way of preparing you for greater things. Even in the most arid of deserts, He will speak to you and water you with His love.

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