February 17
Genesis 12:11-13, 17-18
“When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.”
But the Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. So Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?”
We have all had instances in our lives where we felt we needed to help God with one event or another in our lives. Although we may not have had any serious consequences for doing so it doesn’t mean it’s ok. We as humans need to know our boundaries. We need to recognize that there are instances in our lives that may seem to us that we need to go ahead of the Lord, however going ahead of God or behind Him is never the right choice to make. The truth is taking matters into your own hands is never a good idea especially in our relationship with the Lord.
Looking at this scripture although Abraham did not commit any grave atrocity, having Sarah pose as his sister could have caused him to loose his wife. Yes, he may have acquired wealth and possession, however had the Lord not stepped in, Pharaoh may have taken Sarah as wife. If this had happened then Sarah would have committed adultery unwillingly. It is imperative we stray from making decisions outside of God. It is important we involve God in everything. There isn’t a single situation that the Lord cannot intervene in for you. Remember that although a decision may save you in one instances it’s consequences may be worse than anything. Let God lead you in all your decisions. Do not lie your way out of trouble rather let God be Lord.
