While we often celebrate God’s amazing grace, deep down we may feel it would be better if we could somehow qualify for it. Perhaps our pride would be soothed if we could somehow earn God’s favor. Yet over and over, Scripture teaches us that God’s commitment to save and redeem His people is not based on anything we have done, but on His grace alone.

In Genesis 26, Isaac acted in fear even though God had promised to be with him and protect him (vv. 2–5). As his father before him, Isaac was afraid he would be mistreated because of his wife. So, he claimed that Rebekah was his sister (v. 7). But, as they say, “Truth is the daughter of time; and, in time, it will come out.” Isaac was discovered “caressing” his wife in a manner that made it clear that she was not his sister (v. 8). When Abimelech found out, he issued a decree to ensure that Isaac and Rebekah would be safe (v. 11).

In all of this, God was with Isaac, protecting him, and blessing him with abundant crops (vv. 12–13). His wealth sparked the envy of those around him, and he was driven away to another area of the land (v. 16). Following this, Isaac had a series of quarrels over the rights to water. Yet, through all this, God protected and provided for Isaac. In the end, the political powers of the region made a treaty with him. These Gentile kings clearly saw the hand of the Lord over Isaac and made peace with him (vv. 28–29).

One Bible commentator described Isaac like this: “He is timid, fearful for his own skin; he is prepared to lie and put his wife at risk to save himself.” Yet, despite his weakness, God would be faithful to His promises that through Abraham the world would be blessed.