Genesis 26:1-2 A severe famine now struck the land, as had happened before in Abraham’s time. So Isaac moved to Gerar, where Abimelech, king of the Philistines, lived. The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you (NLT)
WHAT IS GOD SAYING?
Sometimes ago, a man shared with me how he spent 12 solid years in U.S.and Canada combined. In all the 12 years spent, they were years of misery, sorrow, confusion and distress. He traveled with the mentality of seeking the proverbial green pastures but it all turned out awry for him. After so many years of fruitlessness, he returned to Nigeria.
Some persons thought he was under the influence of some diabolical powers but it was based on divine arrangement. On getting to Nigeria, good things began to happen to him in succession and he's fulfilled. The very country where people are running from is now his Canaan.
The world is not new to economic recession, scarcity and cash crunch. In the time of Isaac, there was scarcity and people were migrating to Egypt. It is plausible that there was surplus in Egypt and they had the proverbial greener pasture. Probably, he contemplated joining the bandwagon of migrants but God spoke to him expressly not to go.
He obeyed that instruction which may have sounded foolish then considering the harsh economic realities of that day. What was the result? The bible says, "When Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him. HE BECAME A VERY RICH MAN, AND HIS WEALTH CONTINUED TO GROW", Gen 26:12-13 NLT. The very land people were running from became the land where he enjoyed super abundance.
The first key to living in plenty during scarcity is to find the relevant instruction for the hour. You need to enquire from God whether to stay or to go. For some, going could be a displacement from God's will while for others, it may be a movement into destiny. However, you cannot tell what it is for you exactly until you're divinely instructed.
It is only a life lived by divine instruction that will end in distinction.
The natural instinct of man will want to exit any area where things seems not to be working to places where it is perceived things are better. However, whatever God says is very crucial to avoid regret. If you will live in plenty during scarcity, find relevant instruction for the hour.
Father, should I go or stay where I am? I'm open to your leading, Lord speak to me in Jesus name.