A Resolute Life
Genesis chapter 26 recounts a time in Isaac’s life when he was forced to dig one well after another in search of life-giving water for his family and flocks. Isaac would dig a well, and his enemies would claim it as theirs. He’d dig another well, and the enemy would fill it with dirt. After several attempts, Isaac finally dug a well that the enemy left alone. “At last,” announced Isaac, “The Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”
This was no small accomplishment. Well digging is back-breaking work. It takes strength, a great deal of energy, and plenty of time. To work that hard at digging a hole deep enough to produce an abundant supply of water, only to have it filled in again or stolen, must have been incredibly discouraging. I imagine there must have been times when Isaac was tempted to give up; to just walk away from his responsibilities and his family. In the midst of that daily battle, did he ever come dangerously close to losing hope?
The act of caring for a loved one with disabilities can also be back-breaking work. It takes enduring strength, unlimited energy, and never-ending time. The 24/7 needs of our children, spouses and parents can drain us and leave us empty if we’re not careful. Remaining hopeful in the face of suffering – remembering our calling to serve the Lord and serve our family members faithfully – that can be a daunting task, for sure.
Following Isaac’s example in this passage of Scripture will serve us well as we approach another year as caregivers. Isaac could have fixed his gaze downward, focusing on the dirt covering all his hard work. Instead he looked up. He recognized the hardships before him, but responded with faith. Tired as he was, Isaac worshipped the Lord, and then he dug another well.
That’s my plan for 2017, too. Mothering my daughter, Sarah, who has Down syndrome and a long list of chronic health concerns, leaves me exhausted at times. Add to that the emotional strain of honoring my own mother, who now lives with early-onset dementia, and I could honestly be tempted to turn my back on reality. But when the enemy taunts me by telling me it’s time to give up, the Lord Jesus Christ lifts my head and gives me the courage to dig up enough hope to get through another day.
I don’t know where you are on your journey to the Promised Land. Perhaps you, too, deal with the daily demands of being a caregiver. Maybe you live a life affected by disability, or rather, you struggle with suffering of a different nature. Regardless, the year ahead can be our year to collectively declare, “At last! The Lord has given us space and we will flourish in this land.”
Let’s roll up our sleeves and determine to see whatever challenges that might lie ahead for us through Heaven’s eyes. Let’s love the people God has placed in our lives with an unyielding love, and like Isaac, let’s expect long-lasting blessings as a result.
Let’s worship the Lord and dig another well.
And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
Genesis 26:22
Guest post written by Shauna Amick, Director of Development at Joni and Friends.
Genesis chapter 26 recounts a time in Isaac’s life when he was forced to dig one well after another in search of life-giving water for his family and flocks. Isaac would dig a well, and his enemies would claim it as theirs. He’d dig another well, and the enemy would fill it with dirt. After several attempts, Isaac finally dug a well that the enemy left alone. “At last,” announced Isaac, “The Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”
This was no small accomplishment. Well digging is back-breaking work. It takes strength, a great deal of energy, and plenty of time. To work that hard at digging a hole deep enough to produce an abundant supply of water, only to have it filled in again or stolen, must have been incredibly discouraging. I imagine there must have been times when Isaac was tempted to give up; to just walk away from his responsibilities and his family. In the midst of that daily battle, did he ever come dangerously close to losing hope?
The act of caring for a loved one with disabilities can also be back-breaking work. It takes enduring strength, unlimited energy, and never-ending time. The 24/7 needs of our children, spouses and parents can drain us and leave us empty if we’re not careful. Remaining hopeful in the face of suffering – remembering our calling to serve the Lord and serve our family members faithfully – that can be a daunting task, for sure.
Following Isaac’s example in this passage of Scripture will serve us well as we approach another year as caregivers. Isaac could have fixed his gaze downward, focusing on the dirt covering all his hard work. Instead he looked up. He recognized the hardships before him, but responded with faith. Tired as he was, Isaac worshipped the Lord, and then he dug another well.
That’s my plan for 2017, too. Mothering my daughter, Sarah, who has Down syndrome and a long list of chronic health concerns, leaves me exhausted at times. Add to that the emotional strain of honoring my own mother, who now lives with early-onset dementia, and I could honestly be tempted to turn my back on reality. But when the enemy taunts me by telling me it’s time to give up, the Lord Jesus Christ lifts my head and gives me the courage to dig up enough hope to get through another day.
I don’t know where you are on your journey to the Promised Land. Perhaps you, too, deal with the daily demands of being a caregiver. Maybe you live a life affected by disability, or rather, you struggle with suffering of a different nature. Regardless, the year ahead can be our year to collectively declare, “At last! The Lord has given us space and we will flourish in this land.”
Let’s roll up our sleeves and determine to see whatever challenges that might lie ahead for us through Heaven’s eyes. Let’s love the people God has placed in our lives with an unyielding love, and like Isaac, let’s expect long-lasting blessings as a result.
Let’s worship the Lord and dig another well.
And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
Genesis 26:22
Guest post written by Shauna Amick, Director of Development at Joni and Friends.
