For now the Lord has made room for us.
Genesis 26, 22
Isaac was with his flocks and servants in the land of the Philistines. But he became too strong for the Philistines, because the Lord blessed any work that Isaac did Isaac. There was controversy over the wells. And Isaac took his herds and moved a little further. But there were also was controversy and they blocked the wells. So he moved on a little further, and dug new wells. But they were named quarrel and dispute, because they were fought about. So he went again a little further. This time there was no dispute, and so Isaac called the well Rehoboth “Expanse” and said: “Now the Lord has given us vast space”.
Isaac was a wise patriarch. He walked out of the way of the dispute. Perhaps he would have been able to defeat the enemy, but what price would it have cost? And so he renounced his right and pulled a little further away. God had indeed promised him all the land, why should he argue about it? He had enough possibilities to fulfill His Word! For Isaac was the Peace more important than his right. And in the end he was able to give thanks to God, because God has really given him vast space.
Sometimes there are also disputes with us. We have to be very wise, so that the dispute does not rob us of our peace with God. We should not be soft, but have a fixed opinion. But we must be humble and waive our rights. Our peace with God is very, very valuable! And if we have to withdraw a little, He will more than offset our damage. He wants to lead us into the vast expanse. Sometimes God uses disputes, so we make our way. Without dispute, we would have been sitting comfortably. But the dispute forces us to stand up and to go a bit further.
In prayer, in conversation with God, we need to clarify God’s will for our situation. Also helpful are conversations with good friends, so that thoughts do not turn in a circle.
In any case, we must know for sure that the disputes are also in the hands of God. He always keeps his hand over us, is loyal to us, will give us ample room and has only good thoughts and plans for us. He is our helper, including in the disputes. That’s why we may rest in peace at night and not worry.
Thank you, Jesus, You are my strong helper! Even if I have to give up a little, so you give me yet again vast space. You have good plans for me, for you are my Good Shepherd!!
Bible reading today: 1 Corinthians 7, 17-40