Finding Feast in Times of Famine

In Genesis 26, Abraham's child of the promise Isaac found himself in the midst of a famine. During a time of famine, food is extremely scarce and, in many cases, non-existent. However, as one writer put it, famine is not just about food, but famine speaks to a certain mentality. A famine mentality only sees lack which feeds hoarding and withholding while a feast mentality sees opportunity and abundance. If we are honest, we have all come up against a famine mentality or a sense that there was something lacking in ourselves.

What do we do when feelings of famine and scarcity seem to surround us? Well, God has provided us with three main courses on the menu of life so that we can feast even in the midst of famine.

First Course: Trusting God through Times of Testing

When faced with difficult circumstances, it is crucial to trust in the Lord and rely on His guidance. Just as Isaac stayed in Gerar, we must remain obedient to God's commands and not succumb to our own impulses. Feast thinking is the mindset that allows us to see God's abundance even in times of scarcity. Instead of feeding our fears and worries, we should nourish our faith and trust that God has prepared a better future for us. During times of testing, we should embrace the truth that God is with us. We are not alone in our struggles, for God is the fourth person in the fire and the ram in the bush.

Second Course: Surrendering to God's Will

To feast in famine, we must surrender ourselves to God's will and let go of worries, pain, and doubts. Surrendering enables us to live out our faith without being entangled in the things of this world. We need to trust that God's promises are connected to our lives, but we must be in a position to receive them. Being present in our own lives and circumstances allows us to be ready when God sends His blessings our way.

Third Course: Holding onto our Hope

Hope is the course and a dessert dish we should always savor. It reminds us that a brighter tomorrow is on the horizon, even in the midst of tough times. Just as Issac planted his seed, we should plant seeds of hope even when we feel like we have nothing left. God's promises never fail, and when we sow in faith, trusting that He will provide the increase, we will reap a bountiful harvest.

So let us feast, not on earthly worries, but on the promises and provisions that comes from trusting in our Heavenly Father