Partnering With God
April 2nd, 2008 | David G. Johnson
Today’s message is a guest entry from David G. Johnson of Epiphany Marketing, LLC.
“AND THERE was a famine in the land… Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings. And the man became great and gained more and more until he became very wealthy and distinguished; He owned flocks, herds, and a great supply of servants, and the Philistines envied him.” (Genesis 26:1a,12-14)
We said in my last message that the instructions Isaac received from God contradicted reason. He was to stay in the land despite the difficult conditions. What followed is a beautiful example of what happens when we partner with God to bring His covenant and His influence to bear on our circumstances.
“For we are laborers together with God….” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Isaac planted at least one crop (maybe more!) when all around him farmers were failing. As he did, God put his “super” on Isaac’s “natural,” multiplying the results. Notice that Isaac didn’t “camp” in the land and do nothing, waiting for God to miraculously provide. Instead, he “occupied” the land and engaged in business. This, my friend, is how to partner with God.
Isn’t it fun that after it says he received a multiplication of results, the Scripture then says, “…and God favored him with blessings…”?! Most of us would’ve been happy with great business results, but God’s plan was bigger than that. By making Isaac a person of great influence, God was able to get the attention of the neighbors. Later in the chapter we find out that they came begging for partnership with Isaac because they saw that God was with him.
Friends, in every so-called “downturn” there are those who excel. If you’re under pressure today, make God your partner. Allow the pressure to increase your capacity. God wants to bring His influence to bear on your circumstances and on your sphere. It’s time for believers to occupy the “mountain” of business. This may very well your season for it!
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April 2nd, 2008 at 10:11 am
Another Wow!
Great insight David! Glad Michael let you write for him while he is in Costa Rica!
Blessings,
Q. Stone
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:22 am
Thank you for the support, Quentin! It’s truly an honor to me to have the opportunity to share with Michael’s readers.
Blessings to you, too…
David
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Thanks David, for a great shot in the arm….AGAIN. I am purposing to obey and sharing HIM and HIS words with those around me and am tempted to holler, “SHOW ME THE MONEY!” Now before others think this is a shallow/carnel thing, I just want to pay the bills, on time. I live very simply on a less than adequate missionary stipend I earn during the school year. Before I decided to work my Mary Kay business full time (around doing HIS business) I was working seven days a week, three at a REAL job, and the rest for the abstinence program. I thank GOD daily for a husband who is not concerned with me going back into the former stressing job, but allowing me to be who GOD has called me to be. In the mean time I choose to wait on HIM. Bless you BIG time.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Hi David:
I’m thanking God and you for this timely word. I’m at a “crossing over” place in my life and my business, and your words truly brought confirmation and encouragement to me. The only way to fail is to quit. Quiting is not an option. “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision” Sir Winston Churchill
“Be strong and of good courage…” Deut 31:6 Amen.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
This was a great word. I am in the financial services industry, and I am praying for God’s direction as to leave my firm and go on my own. I want to be obedient and not to make decisions on my own. Thanks for the perspective.
In Him.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Isaac sowed his crop in soil that was dry and parched: it just didn’t make any sense. But he obeyed the Lord; and the results spoke for themselves. Today the Lord may instruct us to sow seed in a place that “seems” dead and dry; we wouldn’t choose such a place in our own wisdom. However, if we will just be obedient and follow the Lord’s leading, again the results will speak for themselves. Let’s let the Lord direct us in where we should sow our seed.
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:22 pm
In almost every instance I can recall in scripture, God’s people faced impossible overwhelming situations. Each time these two words made all the difference… “but God”.
My family and I are facing an impossible challenge and I struggle so much in believing that God will step in. I consider God’s faithfulness in my life over and over again and He has NEVER failed me, yet because of the circumstances and the enormity of the current mess, I struggle. Here the Maker of the entire universe bringing everything into existence by speaking… and I just can’t see how He will work things out.
A friend recently told me it is more important to know who God is than what His plans are. I believe both are important, but truly nothing really compares with Knowing Him.
My personal prayer is Hebrews 11:6,,, and without faith it is impossible to please Him. for everyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
May we all continue to press on and truly believe in Him who said… “He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also along with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:55 am
David, I love this idea of when things are down, God favoring his people so that they can be a light.
I also wanted to share with everyone an article by Dallas Willard which really is in the same vein with what Michael and David do. They both really have done a great job in inspiring people that there is no sacred/secular divide, even evidenced by the Scripture quoted on this blog, that God was inolved in Isaac’s business.
The gist of this article is that we don’t (I know I don’t) see Jesus as the most knowledgeable person, the smartest, most well-informed person, in our field of endeavor and as a result we (I) don’t include Him, really include Him, in our day to day endeavors. Willard then gives some suggestions on how to go about doing this.
Michael and David, you guys are both doing this and it is HUGELY appreciated! Keep going.
Blessings,
Dennis
Here’s the link:
http://www.dwillard.org/articles/artview.asp?artid=67