Abraham was a man who most people consider to be one of the most obedient people in the Bible. He definitely trusted God, and God clearly blessed him. But Abraham (who was still called Abram at this point) did not always trust God fully.
At one point, Abram got scared because a famine hit the area where they lived. He decided to move to Egypt for a while because they were not having a famine. However, along the way he realized that his wife was so beautiful that the Egyptians might kill him to have her, so he convinced her to tell everyone that she was his sister.
Abram was right about how they would see Sarai. In fact, some officials for Pharaoh saw her and wanted to bring her to Pharaoh; he gave Abram lots of stuff for her and planned to marry her. However we read in Genesis 12:17-18: “But the LORD struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife, Sara. So Pharaoh sent for Abram and said, ‘What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?’”
God had promised to take care of Abraham (Abram), but Abraham did not always remember that. God had led him out of Ur. God had brought him to a new land. God had always taken care of him.
In spite of how God had protected their journey and settlement in a new land, when Abraham had another opportunity to trust, he did not. He was afraid of what might happen, so he chose deception instead.
And again, God came through in spite of unbelief.
That is something we need to remember today. If we choose to not trust God, not rely on His power, and not follow His plan, there will be consequences (not good ones) for us and others.
In the Bible, God shows us the good and bad. Abraham trusted but not always. Does that sound like you in a way?
Look… God wants to do more in your life than you can begin to imagine. But God tells us to trust Him. To do that, we must fight against that sinful side of us that tries to keep us hopeless, faithless, anxious, and negative. And to do that, we have to rely on God to help us do it.
So, if you are willing to trust God, He can change your attitude, direct your steps, and bless your socks off.
When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.
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Books by Dr. Jay Cook
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