WINTER, ALREADY ?! [Part II]

       After Isaac and Rebecca took up residence in the valleys of Gerar, as directed by the Philistine’s King  Abimelech, the Philistine people became jealous of their growth and prosperity there.  As a result, they intentionally plugged up the relied upon wells in the region.  For the first two wells dug [restored] in the valley, they found resistance by the local herdsmen, and left.   Arriving at the third well to be restored, they met no resistance from the locals, and hence stayed there, restoring that well.  "And he moved away from there and dug another well, which brought no quarrel, so he named it Rehoboth, for he said, ‘At last the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.'"  [Genesis 26:22]  God made a way, but they had to be available for His preferred provision, which also meant they had to let go of the first two wells. They may have had sufficient natural means to overcome the opposition at the first two wells, but sometimes a little discernment goes a long way. Not every capability equates with 'calling.’
       
      From there they flourished, to then be appreciated again by Abimelech, who saw their flourishing as an evidence of God's blessing. Covenantal agreement followed between them;  they then broke bread together.

       God is a waymaker, though where we are, it may not always be so noticeable, especially as God's move may not be so 'immediate.’  Let patience have its perfect work. We may want 'microwave' results. Sometimes, however, the 'crockpot' is ideal.  'Winter' is our occasion to appreciate God during the trials, and to demonstrate our faith, as a witness to His faithfulness for others' sake. There can be blessings in the burden.

Paul wrote to Timothy:
"It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15,16

        We are an example for recognizing on earth the outreach and in-working of mercy.  Jesus is the embodiment of mercy. Calvary is the birthplace of grace fulfilled.
Help someone 'find mercy' for the light of Christ in you.  Be gracious.

PRAYER:   Dear Lord, help me to not compromise with my doing, for the precious gift You gave. Make clear my path, and forgive me as I stumble. Allow me to appreciate Your great grace, greatly, and thereby bless You through it. This I pray, in the name of Jesus. And let my conclusion be authentic in this: I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."  2 Timothy 4:7,8 This too I pray, in Jesus' name.  Amen.
By Bro. McNeal Brockington