Bareness a fundamental problem appeared to be generational, from Sarah, Isaac’s mother, to Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, and then Rachel, Jacob’s preferred wife. Isaac that came from fulfilled promise learnt that depending on human effort though looking successful may not be God’s will for the chosen. He probably, and in a measure, understood the law of unintended consequences; that if you take a step in a complex system as God’s dealing with His creation, without consulting Him you’ll be faced with unexpected outcomes beyond your control.

So, when Rebekah turned out to be barren, Isaac chose the better way, he sought God on the matter. In so doing he did two things, he demonstrated:

1. spiritual leadership for his home, and
2. absolute dependence upon God on which he would be tested again, as the events relayed in Genesis 26 reveal.

Whether it is a matter of legacy, i.e. carrying on the promise of God, or economic decisions in our lives Christ is still the answer to all our longings! The guaranty of spiritual legacy transfer rests upon the dependence of the guarantor, God Himself (Genesis 26:1-5).

The result of Isaac’s spiritual leadership was that Rebekkah his wife took note and when she was troubled about her pregnancy and did not know what to do, she also sought God, for one who did not have the tradition of seeking God. Fathers never underestimate the power and influence of your actions in prayer with God, neither that of a praying mother.

When you as parents have done your part with knowledge, leave the rest to God who has the pattern and paths of their lives in His book (Psalm 139:13-17). Selah


Pastor Afolabi Oladele