As we continue exploring the divine tools of success, this week we look into the life of Isaac, whose story teaches us that success is not achieved by taking shortcuts, but by submitting ourselves to the processes God has put in place for our growth – through humility, perseverance, emotional intelligence, and relationships. Scripture reminds us that God has already equipped us with everything we need for success: He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) and has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Therefore, we do not need to look outside the boundaries of God’s Word or imitate the ways of the world to be successful. God has already deposited the necessary virtues within us, and His Word is the key that unlocks them, allowing them to find full expression in us.
As a starting point, God’s children must not define success according to the standards of this world, but according to Kingdom principles. True success is not the amassing of material possessions – it is walking in God’s purpose and perfect will for our lives. Genesis 1:28 tells us God’s purpose for mankind: “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion.” Though this purpose manifests differently for each individual, it begins with humility, that is, with agreeing with God’s Word. True humility is not thinking of ourselves as small, but soberly (Romans 12:3); boldly aligning with God’s Truth and fully accepting what He says about us. Success begins with humility and obedience, because if we only hear the Word but do not act on it, we deceive ourselves (James 1:22). Genesis 26 shows us this principle in action. When famine struck the land of Canaan (vs.1), Isaac obeyed the Lord’s instruction when He said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you” (vs.2). Isaac dwelt in Gerar as God had commanded and thus positioned himself for divine blessing (vs.3-5). Scripture says “Isaac sowed in the land, and received in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous” (vs.12-13). We can never go wrong with obeying God’s Word, because the Word is able to propel us to greatness, even if the circumstances seem daunting. And the more we do God’s Word, the more resilient we become. We read that when the Philistines stopped up Isaac’s wells and quarrelled with him over them, he did not quit – he kept digging until he came to Rehoboth (vs.15-21), saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land” (vs.22). Giving up is not an option, nor is it in our character as God’s children. Even when opposition comes, we press on; “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (Proverbs 24:16).
Seeing that Isaac continued to prosper despite every attempt to stop him, the very people who had driven him away were forced to acknowledge God’s hand upon his life. Scripture tells us that Abimelech came to Isaac with his companions and said, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you … Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you” (Genesis 26:28). Though Abimelech had sent Isaac away, Isaac did not respond with bitterness or seek revenge. Instead, he welcomed them, prepared a feast, and entered into a covenant of peace with them (vs.30-31). Isaac had mastered his soul well enough to choose peace over pride, and restoration over resentment. Saints, this is another tool of success: emotional intelligence and strategic relationships. Success is not only measured by our ability to endure hardship, but by how we guard our heart along the way. When we allow offense and resentment to take root in our hearts, we can lose relationships and hinder our witness to those who are meant to see Christ reflected through our lives. So, even after seasons of rejection and resistance, we must remain willing to forgive and preserve relationships. When we choose to walk in forgiveness, we preserve the opportunities and relationships God can use to bring growth, favour, and promotion.
Remember, God has already given us everything we need to succeed in this life, so let us be intentional about exercising these virtues. Let us submit to the Word, to be guided and corrected by it, so we can live out God’s perfect will for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the tools of success You have already deposited inside us. Teach us to remain humble and in obedience to Your Word. Help us to not only hear Your Word, but act on it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
