Overcoming Faith’s Dark Mysteries: Finding Certainty in God
Genesis 26
19 But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, 20 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. 22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
Walking by faith is a mysterious journey. God reveals His plans to us gradually, unfolding His purposes in parts and pieces rather than the entire timeline all at once. He gives us enough insight to open our eyes to His desires and the unfolding of His will in our lives.
In my childhood, uncertainty used to trouble me. I longed for a clear plan and sought assurance. When I asked about the plan, my father would often respond with the word “probably.” Oh, how I despised that word! I was too young to articulate it correctly and would reply, “Please don’t say ‘pobity’.” “Probably,” or “pobity,” lacked the certainty I craved.
The only certainty on our journey of faith is that we will never be forgotten or forsaken by the One who loves our soul. Our assurance lies in walking alongside Jesus every step of the way. However, much of the journey remains shrouded in mystery. The path may be dark and even perilous at times. Yet, we can be certain that God will never leave us. Even in the darkness, He sees clearly (Psalm 139).
Isaac, the promised son of Abraham and Sarah, embarked on his own journey. He carried the word of the Lord and the covenantal promises bestowed upon his father. But now, Isaac had to walk his own path of faith with the Lord. Searching for a place to settle, seeking God’s favor and provision for his family, they set out.
According to the Scriptures, they dug a well, only to face immediate opposition from the inhabitants of the land, who claimed the resources for themselves. Isaac did not waste his energy in futile battles; he pressed forward. With eyes open, holding onto the promise, they searched and found a new location, digging once again. Yet, once more, others in the land contended for the resources, causing further discouragement, disappointment, and doubt to settle within Isaac. Perhaps he questioned, “Is God truly with me? Are my steps guided by the Lord, just as He favored my father Abraham?” I can empathize, and perhaps you can too.
But the Scriptures tell us that Isaac did not allow himself to be consumed by the fight. Instead, he pressed on and dug a third well. This time, they struck water, and no one contested their provision. Isaac named the well “Rehoboth,” signifying that the Lord had made room for them and promised fruitfulness in the land.
The journey ahead is long and filled with uncertainty and mystery. Yet, as we walk hand in hand with the Lord, we discover that even in the darkness, we have the One who knows the way. He leads us in such a manner that, in the end, we will realize He alone is our certainty. Being in His presence is our safety and assurance. He will create space for us, grant us fruitfulness in the land. There’s no “pobity” about it! He is our one sure thing.
