Genesis 20-23

Ever been there? You go out and commit a sin, pledge never to do it again, then days (or minutes!) later you find yourself repeating that which had so grossly appalled you only days before.

For all of us, if we were to take a spiritual inventory of our lives, we would realize there are rocks in our paths over which we have repeatedly stumbled, time and time again. In Genesis 20, we read as Abraham commits the same sin against God and man that he had done just a few chapters back.

What amazes me about Abraham's deception is not that he is not perfect, for none of us are, but that he would commit this sin of lack of faith. God had already personally visited him by the oaks at Mamre and heralded the birth of a promised son for Abraham through which a great nation would arise. By Genesis 20, that child had not yet been conceived. Abraham's life at this point must be preserved if God is to remain faithful to His promise. Abraham did not need to fear death because of the beauty of his wife.

I wonder if he was just trying to do God's job. Ever done this, sought to make sure something you think God wants to happen happens? Abraham may have feared for his life and remembering the promises of God tried to preserve both by deceiving Abimelech. Yet God did not need Abraham to guarantee a promise which God Himself had guaranteed.

Now, not many of us have the guarantee of any extended life, we are only guaranteed right now because we are experiencing it. So we might not have the same charges leveled against our unbelief as one can against Abraham.

Yet, how many of us have acted out a lack of faith contrary to the multiple promises given to us today by God? We can all sing about them, read about them, but it is entirely a different matter to act upon them.

What things are holding you back in fear? What sins have you continued to stumble over? Take hold the promises of God, the steadfast faithfulness of His character, and resign no longer to repeat the past. It is a new year; more importantly, it is a new day. His mercies are new and there is grace to be granted at His throne for our aid. We must not be passive with this; we must press on toward the upward call of Christ Jesus.