Genesis 20:11 Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’
Here Abraham does something else that I’m, unfortunately, adept at: justification, blame, explanation for actions that I know I should not have done. “But, but, but….” The heart of the matter is that both Abraham and I are afraid–That God will not do what He promised? That things will not turn out the way we want?–and therefore we feel we have to act to protect ourselves.
Genesis 20:12 Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife.
Even as I typed that last sentence, I know how ridiculous it sounds. The God of the universe, Creator of Heaven and earth, won’t fulfill His promise to never leave us nor forsake us? Preposterous. I *know* it is, and yet I still allow fear to make me do some crazy things. Jesus, Help me.
Genesis 20:13 And when God had me wander from my father’s household, I said to her, ‘This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.” ’ ”
Precious Savior, Your promise to never leave me nor forsake me does not mean that things will turn out the way that I want them to, but You have promised to work all things for our good and Your glory. Forgive me when I allow fear to make me doubt Your faithfulness. Help me to lay my burdens–all of them–at Your feet and to trust that You are in control. Amen.
Genesis 20:14 Then Abimelek brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him.
Have a blessed day.