Trusting God’s protection in difficult and unexpected situations.
Genesis 20 Scripture (World English Bible - WEB)
1: Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar.
2: And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelek king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
3: But God came to Abimelek in a dream by night, and said to him, “Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.”
4: But Abimelek had not come near her. And he said, “Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?”
5: Said he, “Behold, he is a prophet; therefore he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live. But if thou dost not speak, thou shalt surely die, thou, and all thy household.”
6: Therefore Abimelek rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.
7: Then Abimelek called Abraham, and said unto him, “What hast thou done unto us? And what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? Thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.”
8: And Abimelek said to Abraham, “What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?”
9: And Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.”
10: And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.
11: And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, ‘This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me: at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.’”
12: And Abimelek took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored Sarah his wife to him.
13: And Abimelek said, “Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee.”
14: And unto Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.”
15: So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelek, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bore children.
“But God came to Abimelek in a dream by night, and said to him, ‘Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.’” – Genesis 20:3
Table of Contents
Introduction Abraham and Sarah in Gerar God Protects SarahAbimelek Confronts Abraham God’s Mercy and Healing 5-Minute PrayerIntroduction
God’s actions show His sovereignty and care over His promises, demonstrating that He preserves His plan even when human actions fall short. Abraham’s mistake also serves as a gentle warning about the consequences of fear and deception, teaching us the importance of trust and honesty before God and others.
Read also: Understanding God’s covenant and His plans for Abraham’s descendants
Genesis 20 teaches us that God is faithful to protect His people, that His plans cannot be thwarted, and that we must lean on Him rather than our own schemes when fear threatens our faith.
As we begin today’s devotional, may we trust God fully, speak truthfully, and rely on His protection even in uncertain or fearful situations.
Abraham and Sarah in Gerar (Genesis 20:1-2)
Abraham presented Sarah as his sister, fearing for his life. This highlights human fear and lack of trust in God.
Reflection: Do you sometimes rely on your own plans instead of trusting God in challenging situations?
God Protects Sarah (Genesis 20:3-7)
God intervenes to prevent harm, showing His faithfulness even when His people make mistakes.
Read also: Lessons on prayer, intercession, and trusting God’s justice.
Teaching Point: God’s protection is greater than our fears and errors. Trust Him to intervene for your good.
Abimelek Confronts Abraham (Genesis 20:8-13)
Abimelek confronts Abraham, and the truth is revealed. God’s timing and truth prevail over deception.
Reflection: Are you honest in your relationships? Let God guide your words and actions.
God’s Mercy and Healing (Genesis 20:14-18)
God heals Abimelek’s household and restores Abraham and Sarah. Mercy triumphs, teaching us to rely on God’s grace.
Read also: God’s judgment, mercy, and the consequences of sin.
Encouragement: Trust God’s mercy; He can protect, restore, and bring blessing even in mistakes.
Father, thank You for Your protection and mercy. Help us trust You fully in fear-filled and uncertain moments. Strengthen our faith to obey and honor You.
Lord, guide our decisions and protect our loved ones. Teach us to rely on Your intervention rather than our own schemes. Heal and bless our homes and families, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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