Faithful in the Famine

Faithful in the Famine

Genesis 26:1-6

We can always trust God because he is faithful in the famine.

In hard times, we tend to run. (1)

God is with us no matter what we face. (2-3a)

God’s promises always prevail. (3b-4)

We can respond with faith to every challenge. (5-6)

How do you respond to hard times in your life?

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 26:1-5

1. Warm-up. Why is it hard to have a good relationship with someone you don’t trust? How does trust affect our relationship with God? What causes us to struggle to trust God?

2. Read verse 1-3a. What is the “former famine” (see Genesis 12:10-20), and where is Gerar (see Genesis 20:1-18)? What instructions did God give to Isaac? In verse 3a God promises to be “with” Isaac and to “bless” him. Do these same promises apply to us today? How so, and to what Scripture would you use to support your opinion (see also Hebrews 13:5-6, James 4:8-10)?

3. Read verses 3b-4. Starting with the word “for”, what reasons did God give for being with and blessing Isaac? Read Genesis 22:17-18. How do God’s promises in Genesis 22:17-18 given to Abraham compare to the promises here in verses 3b-4 given to Isaac?

4. Read verse 5. What caused God to make the same promises to Isaac as he did to his father Abraham? So, did Abraham earn God’s promises for himself and for Isaac (see Genesis 15:6 and Hebrews 11:8-9)? Read Ephesians 2:8-9, James 2:14-26. How do works (obedience) and faith relate to one another in our walk with God? Which comes first, faith or works? How so? Why are works/obedience vital in our walk with God (see also John 14:15, 21-24 and 1 John 5:2-3)?

5. So what. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being totally incredible), how would you rate your relationship with God? How would you rate your trust of God? How would you rate your love for God? How would you rate your obedience? How does your trust, love and obedience all come together to influence your relationship with God? How would you like to grow in your relationship with God?