Promises preceded practices.

Promises preceded practices.

Reference: Gen 26

Isaac had a very less face time in the Bible in comparison to the other Patriarchs. However we see a profound and strong guidance from his life, which is fuelling and giving us a strong foundation of our Faith journey. 

Yes, Isaac faced famine, endured strange name-calling, and dealt with contention, criticism, confinement, accusations, strife, quarrels, disputes, and hatred. He had to make tough decisions, choose his battles wisely, and navigate the challenges posed by the Sadducees and Pharisees of his time.

But our faithful God briefed him the blue print in Gen 26.

God told Isaac to stay in a certain place for a while, and he obeyed. He reopened the wells his father Abraham had dug, which the Philistines had blocked after Abraham’s death, and restored their original names. At Esek (Contention), he chose not to fight over disputed blessings, even though he was strong enough to defend them. At Sitnah (Hatred), he moved on and adjusted his priorities according to God’s commands. When he found Rehoboth (Room, more room, broader space, blessings) and no one opposed him, he gave credit to the Lord, declaring that God had given them room to flourish in the land. He planted seeds in the dry land, and God blessed him a hundredfold, making him wealthy, just just rich alone. Eventually, his enemies came to acknowledge God was with him and sought a covenant of peace. Isaac hosted a banquet, and the next morning they swore kindness to one another before parting in peace. That same day, Isaac’s servants reported finding water, and he named the well Shibah; the city is still called Beersheba today.

The good news is that our God is faithful and gracious, even when we’re surrounded by unkind and deceitful people. Glory to the Lord. Isaac’s faith and trust in Him gave him a determined spirit through every setback, until he experienced God’s provision and witnessed His mighty miracles along the way.

Hence Paul, super excited to share his faith statement in 2 Cor 4:16-18 (MSG)- So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding Grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. Amen. 

Shabbat Shalom from Kent, London- 02Jan2026

Reference: Gen 26

Our Father, we thank You for the gift of this new year, 2026. As Isaac recognized Your presence, we also seek Your provision to guide us through this new chapter. Thank You for opening a new space, broader and greater than the last season, where we will flourish by Your grace. Help us to persevere through Esek and Sitnah, moving beyond setbacks. Teach us to spend time alone with You, listening as Isaac did. Grant us wisdom to handle the Sadducees and Pharisees, to circle the walls according to Your plan, to re-dig the wells, and to discern when to stay or move forward toward Rehoboth, the hundredfold blessing, peace treaties, and the unexpected Shibah—where we find water. In trials, shortfalls, highs, lows, abundance, emptiness, dryness, wastelands, promised lands, and opposition, give us steadfast, faithful hearts that trust You as Isaac did. In our ministries and responsibilities—family, church, work—help us to persist, grow in peace, flourish, and increase in equipping, mobilizing, mission, and expansion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Happy New Year 2026!!!!