Genesis

Abraham had many turns in his life. Parts of his life were mountain top experiences and others were lived in the deepest of valleys. As we look at the panorama of his life we see, however, that his focus was always in doing God's will. Sometimes, in the testing and development of his life, he strayed from God's will. Yet, he returned where God was able to redirect him towards the ultimate promise of greatness for himself and the people that would come after him.

We experience much of the same in our spiritual journey. It is never a straight upward trajectory, but rather an up and down, even backward experience at times. Yet, we continue to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and always return to doing His will. As I John 1:5-10 teaches us, God is faithful to forgive us and restore us to serving Him.

Answers will certainly vary in this question. Look for examples of how even though Abraham seemed to be weak in his faith, he never-the-less strove to remain in God's will. Also look for examples that show God's grace towards Abraham especially during his periods of weakness.

Rather than take action to produce children in a way different than what God willed, Isaac first relied on God to intervene. There is no indication that Rebekah, like Sarah, sought a way to produce an heir outside of the covenant relationship between herself and Isaac.

There is no indicator in the narrative but God certainly knew the character of these men. This has been done before as God made choices based on character and not social expectations or outward appearances. Jacob would need testing and training to develop, but God knew the raw materials he possessed and how Jacob would eventually become the man God wanted him to be.

Our role is to develop the character God can use for His will. Even if we have been outside of God's will and characterized as self-serving, we can change. Through God's grace, our commitment to Him and our submission to the Holy Spirit, we can develop a character useful to God.

Why did Isaac enter into an agreement with the King of the Philistines?

A famine came upon the land and Isaac sought a solution rather than rely on God's providence.

What was the result of Isaac living in Gerar?

God forbade Isaac from entering Egypt. Isaac accepted God's direction. As a result God blesses Isaac with material wealth and stature in the land, even beyond that of the King to whom Isaac had turned for protection.

What was the ultimate blessing provided by God to Isaac and why?

God renewed the promise to Isaac that He had made to Abraham. He did this for the reasons stated in Genesis 26:5, "because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statues and My laws."

Note that this was because of Abraham's faithfulness and not Isaac's. Isaac was weak in faith at this point in his life. God, however, knew his heart and the potential Isaac had to become faithful.

What can we learn from this?

We are blessed by God in many ways. Certainly, we are blessed as we obey our Father, but we're also blessed in periods of unbelief. God does not destroy us when we sin. Rather, He patiently and lovingly disciplines us to bring us back to Him.

This is His promise to us in I John 1:5-10.

When God adds us to His kingdom, we become servants seeking to do the Master's will in all things. Yet, the world continues to press in on us. Satan attacks us to weaken our faith and destroy our effectiveness. In times of weakness, we tend to give in or try to resolve the situation by our own wills and without regard to God's will working on our behalf. We should first turn to God for wisdom, strength and courage with the intent of seeking and doing His will.

God recognizes our weaknesses and lovingly guides us home (Prodigal Son - Luke 15). We must take steps to remain in God's will, and when not in His will, take steps to humbly return because the promise of salvation is always there for us.