QT 9/17/2025 Gen 20:1–7, Giving our worries to God when our minds start dwelling on something

Genesis 20:1–7 (ESV) —

1 From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, “Lord, will you kill an innocent people? 5 Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. 7 Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

 

NOTE: I don't know why Abraham continues this deception at each place where he travels. In this case, God intervenes. The narrative is quite clear that Sarah was never touched. Abimelech, a Philistine, shows better behavior than Abraham at this point. Although after the birth of Isaac, there is a change in Abraham's life. He shows courage and does not cower in fear any more.

 

What will it take to in our own lives to stop cowering in fear and to believe that God's hand will protect us? Sometimes, God will take us through many difficult things to get us to the point that we have to stop worrying and start trusting God. I feel I've gone through this cycle a few times. And recently have had more success than in the past. I can't blame Abraham for his actions. Mine are no better, just more subtle. I am learning that he will take care of me as I give to him my worries and fears. Whenever I find myself dwelling on a subject, that is my reminder to hand it to God.

 

PONDER:

1. Where is my trust in God?
2. Do I say the words or do I live the life? (and I am not referring to stoicism, which is not trust, but rather fake trust)

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the answered prayers. Thank you for the things you are doing. Thank you for what you are teaching me. Have mercy on me, a sinner. Forgive me when I fail, or sin, or forget you. Give me my bread and strength for the day.