“and the children of Israel went out with defiance.” Ex 14:8

Not that their defiance lasted very long. In a matter of hours when Pharaoh’s army came after them they were greatly afraid, cried out to God and blamed Moses. Their tough defiant talk — when challenged — turned to fear and tears. Israel had a lot to learn, but this was just the beginning.

It seems their defiance and determination lasted only as long as things were going their way. Their oppressors were freeing them and loading them down with silver and gold and precious stones. They probably felt a sense of entitlement that the Egyptians owed them this and in one sense they did. But when Pharaoh’s army approached, they lost their nerve. They doubted their decision. They regretted their choice. They looked for someone to blame.

How many times have you taken a stand, made a decision to get out of debt, start a new business, save up some money, lose weight etc., only to retreat from that position when challenged? If you are going to attempt something worthwhile, expect to be challenged. That comes with the territory. Quit doubting. Don’t look for someone or something (like a tough economy) to blame.

You have the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwelling in you! You can do this! There is a new breed of Christian arising and you can be numbered among them. They are intent on taking their Promised Land. They are ready to face down the giants and step into their destiny. Care to join them?

There is a sentiment I am picking up from the Body of Christ that there is a reprieve of sorts – a window of opportunity that has opened – where before the shift comes in a big way, there is opportunity both to get your financial house in order and to prepare to seize the opportunities that lay ahead of us. Both ideas are interrelated as you cannot seize on the new opportunities if you are strapped and burdened by the past.

I heard from an intercessor in Nigeria (Yemi Issachar) who is a watcher of the global economy. This is what God has been showing him… “The recession today I believe is God’s making, to pave great ways and open serious opportunities for His children to follow a narrow path everybody ignores to become the new leaders in the new USA that God is building. This is the year of open doors and God is the one at the centre of all these shakings to propel His own to a new beginning.”

Friends, we need to take some bold steps this year to eradicate debt and position ourselves not only financially but in a host of other ways to step up into the positions of authority God has for us in the marketplace. He will not give it to us if we are unprepared, ill-equipped and unbelieving. We must rise up on the inside to accept the challenge of the Holy Spirit before us, to get trained, get positioned and take territory. Want to catch that train?

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!

Today’s message is a guest entry from David G. Johnson of Epiphany Marketing, LLC.

“AND THERE was a famine in the land… and Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines. And the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I will tell you. Dwell temporarily in this land, and I will be with you and will favor you with blessings; for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.’” (Genesis 26:1-3)

We’re hearing so much this year about the economy, the housing market, the falling dollar and business conditions in general. Hopefully, your business and family are not being affected by it personally, but whether you are or not, hearing about it frequently can have a mental, emotional and even spiritual impact.

With a variety of industries suffering in the local community here, I’ve had this passage from Genesis 26 on my heart quite a bit lately. Isaac found himself and his household surrounded by difficult conditions, and it’s hard to imagine how that may have weighed on his mind. As casual readers, we sometimes forget that his household was most likely substantial, with a lot of mouths to feed and a lot of people looking to him for answers. Today, he might be the owner of a small company — perhaps with 50 employees or more.

What to do?

What’s interesting to me is that when Isaac heard from God, the instructions he received were very counter-intuitive. Egypt would’ve been a safe haven for a nomadic family like his to go and find trading partners. But God instructed him to essentially start a business in a failing industry in an economy that was suffering, and in physical conditions that would not support his new venture. When there’s a famine, it’s generally not the best time to go into agriculture!

But when you have instructions from God, you have hope that others do not have! We’ll pick this subject up again in the next message, but in the meantime, consider this question: Are you getting instructions from God in this season, or are you allowing the conditions around you to shape your thinking?