warm-up

Are you comfortable with losing? Why or why not?

When was the last time you allowed someone to have his or her way even if it was different from what you wanted? What happened?

When was the last time you were heartbroken over something you lost? What did you do because of it?

word

¹By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. Hebrews 11:20

(Read also Genesis 27:18–32.)

It was customary in Jewish culture to bless one’s children. The eldest, usually the firstborn son, was entitled to receive a double portion of his father’s inheritance. When Isaac was old and he could no longer see, he called Esau, his eldest son, to bring him food and receive his blessing before Isaac died. This blessing included words of encouragement, his inheritance, and prophetic words for his future. But instead of Esau, Jacob received the blessing by deception. In spite of this, the Bible says that what Isaac did was an act of faith. Today, we will look at how Isaac submitted his will to God’s by faith.

1
Isaac was set on his plan.

¹So he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments and blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed!” Genesis 27:27

In spite of the word from God (Genesis 25:23) that the older will serve the younger, and in spite of the fact that Esau sold his birthright as the oldest son to Jacob (Genesis 25:29-34), Isaac was determined to give the blessing to Esau. On the day that Isaac was set on blessing Esau, he asked him to hunt and prepare delicious food (Genesis 27:4) before blessing him. Do you remember a time when you insisted on your own will and plans in spite of knowing God’s will and commands?

2
God's will prevailed.

¹Then Isaac trembled very violently and said, “Who was it then that hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate it all before you came, and I have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed.” Genesis 27:33

When Isaac learned of Jacob’s deception, he trembled very violently. He was not the only one outraged. Esau cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry when his father told him what had happened. Isaac and Esau were both set on what they wanted, but God’s will prevailed. Before the twins were born, the Lord had already said that the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). How is God making His will known in your life?

3
Isaac surrendered to God's will.

¹Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Behold, I have made him lord over you, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?” Genesis 27:37

In the end, Isaac saw that God is sovereign in carrying out His plans. Isaac finally trusted God and submitted his will to God’s will. He confirmed the blessing given to Jacob by telling Esau that he would indeed serve his brother, even if he knew that it would break his beloved son’s heart (Genesis 27:39). According to Hebrews 10:36, what will happen after we have done the will of God?

application

What is one situation in your life where you need God’s will to be clear? What are specific things you can do to know what God wants you to do in this situation?

Do you have a hard time submitting to God’s authority? What are some things you know you need to surrender to God?

Who among your friends or family needs to embrace the will of God for their lives? How can you encourage that person to submit to God’s will this week?

prayer

Thank God for His will that prevails in our lives. Pray that you will always yield to the will of God knowing that His plan is what’s best for us.

Pray that you will always choose to have a soft heart that desires to do God’s will. Pray that whenever your will goes against God’s will, you will have the grace, faith, and wisdom to embrace His will and obey Him.

Pray for open doors to help people who are having a hard time accepting the will of God in their lives. Pray that God will give you specific words to say to help them submit to God by faith.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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