Text: Genesis 26:1-6, 12-14 – “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.”
Introduction
Unfavourable times are periods when everything seems hard — when resources are scarce, opportunities are limited, and people are discouraged. Yet, God’s children are not called to merely survive such times, but to thrive in them. Thriving means flourishing, growing, and producing results despite the odds. Thriving means prosperous and growing flourishing.
Thriving goes beyond surviving. It’s about achieving a balanced state where you feel motivated, purposeful, resilient, and connected. Thriving includes well-being in academic, emotional, social, and physical dimensions.
UNDERSTANDING HARD TIMES
Hard times can come in many forms:
Financial hardship
Loss of job or opportunity
Sickness or pain
Betrayal or disappointment
Spiritual dryness
EXAMPLES OF SURVIVORS IN THE BIBLE
Job: Lost everything but held on to God — and got double for his trouble.
Joseph: Betrayed and imprisoned — yet became a Prime Minister.
David: Hunted by Saul — yet became king.
Jesus: Rejected and crucified — yet rose in victory.
If they survived, you too will survive! Amen
IIsaac’s story in Gerar teaches us how to prosper and remain faithful even in uncertain times. There was famine in the land, yet God led Isaac to stay where others were running away. While the world around him struggled, Isaac thrived — not because of the land, but because of his obedience to God.
1. The Test of Famine (Genesis 26:1-2)
And there was a famine in the land…”Just as Abraham faced famine, Isaac did too. Every believer will experience seasons of lack, confusion, or delay. But God often uses famine to test our faith and obedience.The famine was real — but so was God’s instruction.Isaac was tempted to go down to Egypt (a symbol of self-dependence). God told him, “Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land I will tell you of.”
Lesson: In times of crisis, the safest place to be is where God tells you to stay, not where it looks comfortable.
2. The Test of Obedience (Genesis 26:3-6) “Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you.”
Isaac obeyed even when it didn’t make sense. He stayed in Gerar — a foreign land, among people who didn’t serve his God. Obedience may look foolish to men, but it positions you for divine visitation. Wherever God sends you, His presence will sustain you. Obedience invites divine presence, and divine presence guarantees success.
3. The Blessing of Obedience (Genesis 26:12-14) “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.”
Isaac didn’t just survive — he thrived!
He planted in a dry land and reaped a hundredfold. His success was supernatural.
Others saw famine, Isaac saw opportunity. Others withheld, Isaac sowed. Others murmured, Isaac trusted.
Principle: When you act in faith, God turns famine into fruitfulness.
4. The Challenge of Envy (Genesis 26:14-16)
”The Philistines envied him…”Whenever God blesses you, expect opposition. People will envy what they do not understand. The same people who saw Isaac prosper began to push him away. But Isaac didn’t fight — he moved on peacefully and dug new wells.
Lesson: Don’t waste energy fighting jealous people. Keep digging new wells — God will make room for you!
5. The Reward of Perseverance (Genesis 26:22)
”And he removed from thence, and digged another well… and he called the name of it Rehoboth.”
After rejection and struggle, came Rehoboth — “the Lord has made room for us.”
When you refuse to quit, God will enlarge your territory. Your Rehoboth is coming — a place of peace, expansion, and rest from struggle.
6. The Covenant Remembered (Genesis 26:24)
”Fear not; for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed…”
Isaac’s prosperity was not luck; it was covenant. God remembered His promise to Abraham and confirmed it to Isaac.
Key Point: When you walk in obedience, you walk in covenant blessings. God never forgets His promises.
Conclusion
Isaac in Gerar shows us that: God can bless you anywhere if you obey Him.
Famine cannot stop God’s favor. Peaceful perseverance leads to enlargement.
Prayer Points
1. Lord, help me to hear and obey Your voice, even in famine.
2. Father, bless the work of my hands like You blessed Isaac in Gerar.
3. Every power contending with my wells of blessing — be silenced in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, lead me to my Rehoboth — my place of peace and fruitfulness.l
The Rev’d Olomola Olalekan A.
National Minister (Coordinator) Methodist Campus Fellowship
He can reached on 08035501454 E-mail: olomolekan@yahoo.com
Note Please: Sunday Sermon is a new introduction on the staple of DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS. Interested Pastors, General Overseers, and Ministries/ Churches should contact the Managing Editor on +234 8052903275 or on email: babalolatunde2002@gmail.com; decencyglobalnews2020@gmail.com
