Stolen Wells

Have you ever done something you believed to be the will of God and then something unexpected happened and all the time, money and efforts where stolen? Or maybe they took the credit from an idea that was yours? This often happens, because of the fallen world we live in and the selfish nature of some people. Then, there are those so-called accidents that can also rob us of time and money. And finally there is satan, whose is a thief and is basically responsibly for every evil thing thats happened. But, when you're a child of God you sometimes feel those kind of things shouldn't happen to you, but they do. How, you respond in those kind of situations is important.

We all have rights or think we do and everyone wants justice. But as a son of God, our attitude and recourse should be different from the world's. Our petition and attitudes are to be laid before our Heavenly Father, the Righteous Judge. However, what's interesting is that God often allows these things happen for our benefit, for several reasons. One is for correction, because we often make mistakes (doing things we shouldn't have). Another reason is God wants to bless us as we trust and obey Him through those trying situations, so that we will become mature sons and daughters. Lastly, there is also "the cross," we bear the loss for the sake of Christ. In all three situations there are blessings, if our heart is right.

Therefore, theft in a way is a blessing in disguise, even though it may be painful at the time. Remember, we are to give thanks in (not for) all things. (I Thess. 5:18). Besides, God promises to restore all things, when we make our petition, based on faith and forgiveness. God has no choice, but to honor His Word. (Mark 11:22-26) However, restoration happens in God's time, not ours. It can happen quickly and other times it may take years. (I have experienced both situations.) Sometimes we may not see the full reward in our lifetime, but others will benefit, because of our sacrifice and His promises to us. God will see to it, that everything happens at just the right time. Just as we saw in the lives of Job, Joseph, Moses, David, Jesus, the apostles and many others lives. 

However, I would like to share the examples from the lives of two other great men, Abraham and Isaac. Since both of their losses dealt with actual wells of water, and how they dealt with the theft. They lived in an arid region where it was necessary to have access to a special source of water for them to survive, usually a well. It was one of their most valuable possession. A well represented life and the water from it was more precious than gold. It took a lot of time and effort to dig a deep hole and then line the walls to hold the water. A well was a major investment and the cool fresh water was the reward and a blessing from God. Those efforts would benefit their family and friends for generations to come. It was wrong for anyone to attempt or take a well by force, and it was worth fighting for and protect.

However, in the life of Abraham we see a different reaction. He had dug a well in the land God had promised to him. Then one day the servants of the king, seized Abraham's well by force. Abraham was a man of peace, he was also a warrior, as we learned regarding his rescue of Lot, and his family (Gen. 13:8 & 14:14,15). Yet this time, he apparently didn't feel water was worth fighting for, as some others may have. So Abraham chose to let the men have the well, for the time being, even though what they did was wrong. But, the time eventually came when those evil actions were made known to the king, whom Abraham may have thought was been behind the theft.

King Abimelech saw that God had blessed Abraham. So the king and his commander wanted to make a peace treaty with Abraham regarding both of their futures. Abraham was more than willing to have peace. However, before Abraham was willing to sealed their agreement he filed his complaint about his stolen well. The king was surprised and denied having any knowledge of it. Then the two of them took an oath and made a covenant. (I'm sure the matter of the well, was quickly corrected.)

However, many years later we see Abraham's son, Isaac in a similar situation, and with the same forgiving nature. Other wells of Abraham, had be filled in with rocks and dirt by the people in the region. The surrounding people envied Isaac , but they were also afraid of him, so they had old king Abimelech ask Isaac to move on. (so much for a covenant) 

Anyway, Isaac moves to another area and his servants dug a new well, one with flowing water, but the people there contend with him. So he move away again and dug another well, only to have the people quarrel over that one too. Isaac move on again, because he too was a man of peace, even though the people feared him. So he dug again, and this time, when they found water there was no quarrel. (I don't know if I. would have had that much patience.) Anyway, Isaac built an altar to the Lord, thanking Him for a place to settle down and flourish. Then the old king came again to make a peace covenant with Isaac, and so they did.

Every generation of Abraham had to deal with evil, sometimes even within their own family. Jacob was an example of this, this time the thief was his father-law, Laban. The man stole and cheated Jacob many time. Yet, God was faithful to Jacob and he continued to bless and prosper him, in spite of Laban's evil actions. Jacob chose to continue trusting God, rather than confront Laban's actions.

Many years later, Jacob's son, Joseph, also experienced an unbelievable turn of events, due to his brothers selling him into slavery. God's blessing was on Joseph despite all his misfortunes. Many years later, Joseph's response to his brothers evil actions was one of peace and forgiveness. Joseph told his brother, "What you meant for evil against me, God meant it for good." All these Patriarchs were able to see God's ultimate plan, and forgive others in spite of their evil behavior.

Note: Throughout history, satan has tried to steel, kill and destroy God's sons and what was meant for them. No one is exempt from satan's attempts or efforts. Although it may look like the enemy has won at times, he really hasn't. God is still in control of everything. Satan is simply one of God's pawns. 

"All things work together for good, to them who love the Lord, and are called according to his purpose." 

When our life's race is complete, the thieves will be the losers and God's sons the winners. His sons are always compensated many time over, and in the end they never regret any of their past losses. They were able to forgive others and they trusted more in the faithfulness of God, besides they were looking for something better—a city who's foundation is God, rather than the temporary things in life.  

Jesus Christ is that city, the New Jerusalem. The lose of  life or possessions meant nothing to them, compared to the riches of being in the presence of the Lord.

Despite all of the enemies attempts to harass, argue, quarrel and steal from God's sons, God give them His peace. All evil actions will eventually be exposed (Eph.5:13) and all God's sons and daughters will be honored. God has also promised, that He will repay what was lost and stolen. (Joel 2:25) Even by our own negligence.

I have experienced many loses, because of selfish and foolish choices. Like many people, I did things the way I wanted until I was almost 40 years old. Even though I had gone to church most of my life. From that kind of behavior, I lost money, a house, a new van, and a lot other things. Yet, when I turned my life back to Jesus Christ, He restored everything within the next twelve years with better ones.
 
Satan has also stolen many things from me, such as money, paintings, investments, friends, relationships and even my wife. The latter was the greatest loss (only temporary). As a result, satan also stole a lot of my emotions (mainly peace and joy), but then maybe some of that was due to my poor choices. 

However, satan was never able to steal my relationship with God. Jesus Christ has always been with me, especially during the hard times and He was faithful in every way. He has also promised to restore all things, including my marriage, and that He would "kiss my soul and spirit alive." He always restores things to better than what they were before.

God does this for every son and daughter, because of His awesome love and grace and mercy. Jesus Christ is also "The Well," that no one can steal, and deep within Him flows the River of Life. Why don't you, "taste and see that the Lord is Good." Then keep reaching and drinking. Don't be content with just a sip, every now and then. You may even want to dive in and be baptized into His love, His death and rise up in His resurrection power. You never regret it.