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By Hal S. Vannoy
“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him” (Genesis 26:12).
It has been said that prosperity is man’s worst enemy. This is never so with the person who realizes the source of his wealth.
God’s blessings of the “hundredfold” return from his crops, the rest from his enemies and the abundant wells of water so impressed Isaac that his lips echoed with humble praise and thanksgiving.
Prosperity usually makes us a mark of envy. Isaac tested his bitterness as “the Philistines envied him.” Great possessions are a blessing but they carry their anxieties. High station in society is to be desired but it often causes a man to be the victim of jealousy.
In the case of Isaac, there were virtues that became evident in his prosperity. He fought envy with patience. When persecuted at one place he went on to another. Patience eventually won over the enemy. He suffered gross mistreatment, but forgave. It is hard for a man to forgive when his honor is wounded. He also responded to his mistreatment with reverence by setting up an altar and worshiping God. Adverse circumstances can be altered into spiritual victories.
My God, help me to retain Christian virtues in the midst of adversity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Originally published July 29, 1963
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