Genesis 26.  During a famine, Isaac and his family resettle in Gerar, where Abraham had sojourned before.  He re-dug some of the wells that Abraham had dug, because the Philistines had stopped them up.  Two of the wells he named Esek (contention) and Sitnah (enmity).  The names of these wells show the unsteady relationship that Isaac’s people had with the inhabitants of Gerar.  Esau and his Hittite wives also “made life bitter” for Isaac and Rebekah (35).

God does not promise that a life of faithfulness to him will be an easy life.  But he does promise blessings now, and eternal life at the return of Christ. It is worth it.

LORD,  give us the courage to be faithful even in an environment that is often hostile to you and those who claim you.