Trusting God Through Fear and Failure

Trusting God Through Fear and Failure

31 August, 2025

Thesis: By trusting God in times of adversity and failure, believers can walk by faith instead of fear.

Summary: The sermon, grounded in Genesis 12:10-20, recounts Abram's journey from faith to fear when a famine struck the promised land, leading him to seek refuge in Egypt. Driven by fear, Abram deceived Pharaoh by presenting his wife Sarai as his sister, compromising his integrity and causing plagues upon Pharaoh's household. Despite Abram's failure and damaged testimony, the sermon emphasizes God's faithfulness in preserving Sarai and bringing Abram out of Egypt. It concludes by highlighting Abram's return to a place of renewed trust and worship, contrasting his struggles with Jesus's ultimate triumph over adversity and suffering.

Sermon

I’m glad Jesus chose the cross, aren’t you? Without the cross, there would be no forgiveness of sins. There would be no redemption. But because of the cross, all of the promises of God are guaranteed us: forgiveness, salvation, eternal life. All purchased in full by Christ and His work on the cross. I praise God for that.

Well, thank you so much for being here. Thank you guys for using your talents for the Lord. And LaRue, I have missed your organ playing too. I love how you end your songs, the major to minor flourish. It always gets me, every time. I praise God that you use your talent for the Lord.

All right, guys, can you guess where we’re at? I’m not going to throw you a curveball this week. We’re back in Genesis chapter 12. I’m going to be finishing out the chapter. I’m going to be looking at verses 10 through 20.

And by the way, I need to announce this as well. We’ve been getting thank you cards in our blessing box. People thanking us for the food and thankful for the ministry that we have in our community. So thank you for everyone who contributes to that. You never know whose life you’re touching—yet God does. So thank you for your faithfulness.

Also, one more announcement I want to make. As we explore how God’s grace sustains us in times of fear and failure, I invite you to join us next Sunday night at Simmons Grove Baptist Church. We’re launching a Sunday night series focused on the power of the gospel, and this message directly connects to the journey of trusting God even when we’re walking through uncertainty. Brother Hank Robertson will be preaching at 6 o’clock, and your very own Jessup Grove house band will be leading worship. If you’re wrestling with fear or facing failure, I encourage you to come and experience how the gospel transforms lives. You’re more than welcome to join us next Sunday night at 6.

But this morning, let’s look at Genesis chapter 12, verses 10 through 20. And here’s what I want you to take away from my sermon today: Trusting God through fear and failure. That’s our main point.

We can boil this whole sermon down to one main point, and it’s this: by trusting God in times of adversity and failure, believers can walk by faith instead of fear.

So I want to ask you a question this morning before we dive into the Scriptures. Have you ever faced a time of crisis in your life? Has there ever been this one defining moment of adversity? Maybe it was losing a job, a death in the family, or a bad diagnosis from the doctor. Have you ever had this time of crisis pop up out of nowhere? That’s how it often happens, isn’t it? Everything’s going good, and then boom—something happens. These moments show up at the worst possible time, and life gets uncertain. Then fear has a way of exposing who or what we really trust.

Well, if you’ve faced that, you’re not alone because Abram faced a similar struggle. Now, we remember Abram is known as what? The father of faith, right? He’s always trusting God. However, we’re going to see this morning there were times when he struggled with fear. And chapter 12, verse 10 through 20 records one of those moments.

Now, we know the theme of the book of Genesis is the book of beginnings—God’s creation, God’s covenant, God’s redemptive plan. Through who? Through Abram, over and over. This theme is vividly illustrated through Abram’s journey, where his moments of doubt and fear become a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. God’s faithfulness is powerfully demonstrated, even when His people, like Abram, falter in fear.

Well, we see the development of that theme in the first portion of Genesis 12. The call of Abram is where God makes His promises of a great nation, blessings, and the blessing of all families of the earth. This is the foundation for the crucial question of trusting God’s promises, as seen later in the crisis of Abram. God said to Abram, “Get out of your country, from your family, from your father’s house, to the land. I will show you. I will make you a great nation. I will bless you. I’ll make your name great. You’ll be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you. I will curse those who curse you. In you, all the families of the earth will be blessed.” That is the call of Abram.

But now, here in verse 10, we find the crisis of Abram. After the call comes the crisis—a moment where the weight of divine promises clashes with the raw, unrelenting reality of human frailty. Here comes a famine in this land of promise, a trial that strikes at the very heart of God’s covenantal promises. And so, this sets the stage for a crucial question: Will Abram trust God’s promises? Truly? Will he place his faith in the One who has already spoken life into his lineage, or will the gnawing uncertainty of the unknown drive him to take matters into his own hands? This is the first test recorded in chapter 12—the test of adversity, where the tension between divine sovereignty and human fear becomes palpable.

Now, in chapters 12, 13, and 14, we find that Abram is tested in three different ways. We can say the Lord takes him to the school of faith. This first test recorded in chapter 12 is the test of adversity. When resources are scarce, Abram experiences famine and failure in Egypt.

His second test, we’re going to talk about next week, comes in chapter 13. And it’s not a test of adversity, but rather just the opposite. It’s a test of abundance. When possessions increase, so does trouble with his nephew Lot.

And then, in chapter 14, we find that Abram faces his third test. This time, he is tested by attack when he goes to war against the kings. Now, these are the very same areas in which we, too, are often tested.

We’re either tested in adversity. And in adversity, we’re tempted to question the goodness, presence, and provision of God. Sometimes we’re tested in times of abundance. We may be tempted to question our need for God when things are going well. And then we’re tested in times of attack and spiritual struggle to fight in our own strength.

But almost all people—actually, I’m going to say everyone—will go through, have gone through, or are currently going through times of adversity. Can you see that in your own lives? Does that resonate with your experiences?

And many people, including believers, struggle with fear and doubt in times of adversity. But when we trust God in these times, we can begin to walk by faith rather than fear, finding freedom from anxiety’s grip. Have you ever been there? Maybe you’re going through that time right now.

Well, I did some research on anxiety, and here’s what I found from the National Institute of Mental Health. They say that anxiety disorders differ based on what triggers them, but they all involve excessive fear, anxiety, and changes in behavior. These disorders can significantly impact work, school, and relationships. For instance, someone with panic disorder might suddenly feel overwhelmed by fear and struggle to breathe, while a person with social anxiety disorder may avoid social situations due to intense worry about being judged or embarrassed.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, OCD, and separation anxiety disorder. It’s important to understand that each person’s experience with anxiety can be unique, just like the examples I’ve shared.

According to recent statistics, 19.1% of US adults have experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year. This means that nearly one in five people you meet might be struggling with anxiety right now. Interestingly, these disorders are more common in women than men, with 23.4% of women experiencing anxiety compared to 14.3% of men. It’s possible that societal expectations and cultural norms contribute to this difference, but that’s a topic for another discussion.

The important thing to remember is that anxiety disorders are real, they’re common, and they can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Now, listen to this. 19.1% of US adults have experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year, with women being more commonly affected than men. It’s important to note that while there may be various contributing factors, it’s not accurate or helpful to place blame on any one group. In fact, research has shown that individuals from all backgrounds can experience anxiety disorders. Additionally, it’s been found that 31.1% of US adults will develop an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

Let’s take a look at adolescence. 31.9% of teens have experienced an anxiety disorder, and 8.3% had severe impairment. This is from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Anxiety and depression can often occur together, and nearly 50% of people with depression also have an anxiety disorder. This includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social disorder, and phobias. So we experience stress, which is an outward response, and anxiety is an internal response.

According to the Los Angeles Outpatient Center, an estimated 42.5 million US adults are living with an anxiety disorder in 2025, making it the most common mental health condition in the country. Does this include believers? Absolutely.

Now, we know from Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7, that God wants us to trust Him completely. It says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This promise is not just about having peace of mind; it’s about experiencing the peace of God that surpasses human understanding. We’re called to engage our hearts and minds in this trust, believing that God truly cares for us. But how often do we genuinely rest upon this promise? Even as believers, don’t we still struggle with fear?

Now, what kind of fear and doubt do we struggle with? Many people whom I counsel weekly, and these are believers, doubt their salvation—not just in theory, but in the gut-level uncertainty of whether they’re truly in God’s grace, whether their faith is real, or if they’ve missed something critical in their walk. They struggle with assurance, wrestling with questions like, “Am I really forgiven?” or “Does God still love me when I fail?” These are not abstract concerns; they’re the daily battles that leave believers trembling in the dark, even as they cling to Scripture.

But for many believers, the most persistent fear isn’t about external circumstances—it’s the internal battle over whether they’re truly in God’s grace, whether their faith is real, or if they’ve missed something critical in their walk. They struggle with assurance, wrestling with questions like, “Am I really forgiven?” or “Does God still love me when I fail?” These are not abstract concerns; they’re the daily battles that leave believers trembling in the dark, even as they cling to Scripture.

Other people question God’s provision and protection. They ask questions like, “Will God see me through this diagnosis? Can I trust His promises? Will my lost children ever be saved? Will I lose my job? Will I be able to provide for my family?” And those are legitimate concerns. We all have those times of adversity, and sometimes it feels like anxiety can just strangle the life out of us, if we’re honest.

Other times we wrestle not just with fear, but with failure. Maybe we’re wrestling to overcome the regret of a past decision or a sin that leaves us feeling unworthy of God’s love, or we’re wrestling with guilt that keeps us from moving forward. As a believer, you might struggle with a recurring sin that you just can’t seem to get over. In these moments, trusting God’s grace and His ability to transform our hearts becomes essential, even when the battle feels relentless.

Other times we struggle with seasons of dryness. We have our own spiritual famine, like we’re going to read about in the life of Abram. Despite praying and reading our Bible, we just don’t feel the presence of God anymore. Have you ever been there? You just feel spiritually dry and far and distant.

And it’s through these struggles—fear and failure and doubt and spiritual dryness, like we’re going to read about in the life of Abram—these are the exact same trials that Abram faces here in Genesis 12, and they set the stage once again for our main point, and that is trusting God in adversity enables us to walk by faith instead of fear.

Now, you remember the outline I gave you in Genesis 12, verse 1 through 3: Abram finds the path of faith. In verses 4 through 9, Abram follows the path of faith. Remember, what’s he doing? He’s living in tents and building altars. But verses 10 through 20, Abram forsakes the life of faith, or the path of faith, I should say. Abram forsakes the path of faith.

So let’s talk about Abram’s failure and his fear. Abram’s failure reveals how even in the face of adversity, our fear can lead us to doubt when tested. Let’s start in verse 10. We’ll just read the whole passage and then we’ll go through and we’ll pick up some application from each verse. Even when we falter, God’s unwavering faithfulness remains, offering us reassurance that His promises endure. Abram’s journey—from building altars to the Lord, calling on His name, and journeying toward the south—shows that failure is not the end, but a moment where God’s grace meets our human frailty. His story reminds us that even in our moments of fear, we are never beyond the reach of His redemptive purpose.

Now, as we continue our study of Abram’s journey in Genesis 13, let’s not forget where we’ve been. In the verses prior, we saw Abram dwelling between Bethel and Ai, building altars to the Lord, calling on His name, and journeying south. He was doing everything right according to God’s call. But now, trouble looms on the horizon. A famine has struck the land, testing Abram’s faith and trust in God’s provision.

Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram faced a severe trial. In his distress, he turned toward Egypt for refuge, hoping to find sustenance there. But as he approached Egypt’s borders, Abram devised a plan born out of fear rather than faith. He said to Sarai, his wife, “Indeed, I know you are a woman of beauty and grace. When the Egyptians see you, they will surely take you into Pharaoh’s harem. They may even put me to death, but they will spare your life. So please, for my sake, say that you are my sister, so that it may go well with me because of you.” Oh, how Abram’s fear led him astray from trusting in God’s provision during this time of adversity! But remember, dear friends, even in our darkest moments, we must cling to the promise that God is faithful, and He will not abandon us.

So it was when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house, that is, Pharaoh’s harem. Abram, however, trusted in God’s protection even amidst this trial, believing that God would not forsake him despite his wife being taken into Pharaoh’s household. Indeed, all seemed well for Abram materially, as he received sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels from Pharaoh. Yet, beneath the surface, things were not as they appeared.

The Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? Why did you say she is my sister? I might have taken her as my wife. Now therefore, here is your wife. Take her and go your way. So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him, and sent him away and his wife and all that he had.

First point, Abram’s fear led him to doubt when tested. Here is his first exam in the school of faith. He’s living in the land of promise. A famine strikes and fear takes over. Abram had begun his journey living by faith, but now he resorts to living by fear. And friends, faith and fear cannot rule in the same heart. One will push the other out.

We witness famine sweeping through the land of promise. Famine, in an agrarian society, was devastating and crippling, for survival hinged on the success of crops and livestock. Consider this: Abram faced a choice. He might have questioned, “Wasn’t life better in Ur? I need to return to the city. What on earth am I doing, living in tents, wandering aimlessly?” He could have abandoned the journey entirely, declaring, “I’m returning home. I’m going back to Ur.” But he doesn’t. Let’s commend Abram for his resolve. Yet, he has another plan. He’s a pilgrim, living in tents, sojourning in the land of Canaan. Now, can he truly trust this God? This God who has called him to remain faithful?

Now we all find ourselves in times of famine, times of spiritual dryness, times of doubt and times of fear. And during these times we have to ask ourselves, who do we run to in times of famine? Where do you run? Where do you find comfort? Who do you trust to meet your needs? When times of trials come your way, when you’re given a diagnosis, when your parents say, I’m going to die, when you go through these health crises, when children rebel, when you go through times of doubt and questioning, who do you turn to for answers?

Now remember, we think of Abram as the perfect man, almost. He’s the father of faith. But here we see even the father of faith struggles. He struggles, and there are times throughout the book of Genesis, and we’re going to get there. He’s wrestling with God’s timing. He’s questioning God’s protection. And here he’s questioning God’s provision. God, can you take me? Can you take care of me in this promised land during this time of famine? Maybe you’ve found yourself asking the similar questions. God, are you really there for me? Will you see me through this trial? Will you keep your promise? Do you hear my prayer? Do you even notice my struggles? And if you’ve asked those things, friends, you’re not alone. Because Abram feels the same way.

Here’s some truths to remember. Great faith isn’t the absence of struggles or doubts. Let me be clear—some of you need to hear this. Great faith is not the absence of struggles or doubts. Rather, great faith takes those doubts to the Lord. It’s not a sin to ask questions. When doubt turns to unbelief and turns away from God, that’s when it becomes sin. But if your doubt drives you to God for answers, then you still have faith. The truth is, you still have faith. True faith is not a faith that never stumbles. It’s a faith that never lies down. It gets back up. It continues to trust. It continues to trust God even when you can’t see, when you can’t feel, when you don’t understand.

I like this quote: “A faith that can’t be tested is a faith that can’t be trusted,” especially during times of trial.

Now, Satan will use these times of trials to tempt us to doubt and fear. However, God will use these times of trials to test, purify, and strengthen our faith. Amen?

Now, what does Abram do? He leaves Canaan for Egypt. Notice what he does. He does what many of us do. He tries to outrun the problem, a response that mirrors our own tendency to doubt God’s provision in times of adversity. Let’s turn and go the other way.

Now, think about this. And me and Kevin were talking about this the other day. Abram had trusted the mere word of the Lord to leave Ur of the Chaldeans, to leave his whole life behind and go to the land of Canaan. He trusted a God he had never met to go to a land he had never seen. But now that he is in that land, he doubts if God can take care of him. Oh, how like us. We trust God with our eternal soul, and then we wonder if He can meet our earthly needs. How much like Abraham we are.

Now, if Abram is going to have children, settle in the land of promise, become this great nation, he can’t do any of these things if he starves to death. So, a choice has to be made. I’m going to Egypt, the land of the Nile. There’s food and crops aplenty; wells of water for my camel and my servants; ample space. Besides, it’s close to the land of Canaan, just a little detour. Surely God won’t mind me going? It’s just on the border, right? Just a little gray area. Just a little compromise. It won’t hurt.

But let’s not forget why Abram is considering this. He’s faced with adversity, and fear has taken hold. He doubts if God can take care of him here in Canaan. He’s forgotten that God led him to this land, promised it to his descendants. Instead of trusting God’s provision, he’s taking things into his own hands. But friends, we must learn from Abram’s mistake. When adversity strikes, when fear tempts us to take control, faith calls us to trust the God who is always in control. Trusting God in times of failure and doubt leads us not to Egypt but to walking by faith, not by fear.

Now, we find several problems with Abram’s decision to go to Egypt. Abram trusts his scheming rather than God’s provision. You know God could have provided for Abram here in the land of Canaan? God’s in control. He’s in control of the weather. He’s in control of the famine. And if God had called him there, God will provide for him there. Friends, you need to hear that. If we remain where God’s called us, we’ll find that He will give us everything we need. God will never send us anywhere where His grace will not provide for us. However, Abram takes things in his own hands. And when adversity strikes, fear also tempts us to take control. But faith causes us to trust the God who is always in control.

As we reflect on Abram’s journey, we see that his second failure lies in trusting his own direction rather than God’s guidance. Remember in Canaan? He was living in tents and building altars—evidence of his commitment to seeking God’s presence. Yet in Egypt, there’s no mention of him building an altar or seeking God’s direction. He doesn’t pray about whether to stay in Canaan or go to Egypt. He simply makes the decision: “I’m going to Egypt.” Friends, when we make decisions without prayer, we invite regret and danger into our lives. We fail to follow God’s direction, and the consequences are severe.

Thirdly, Abram allows himself to be driven by self-preservation rather than God’s promises. God had already promised Abram, “I’m going to bless you. I’m going to give you children. I’m going to take care of you.” The promised land was where? It was in Canaan, not in Egypt. And the purpose was to bless the nations, not to seek provision from the nations. This self-reliance leads him to abandon God’s plan, setting the stage for the trials and bondage that will follow.

By the way, this is the first mention of the land of Egypt in Scripture. And in his attempt to outrun the famine, Abram leaves the land of promise. He goes to Egypt, which centuries later will become what? The place of bondage. The place of slavery. Interestingly enough, I found this out in my studies. Every time someone is going to Egypt, it’s always going down to Egypt. We read that multiple times. It’s always going down. Now that’s true in elevation. Geographically it is lower than Canaan, but it’s true in a spiritual sense as well. We are going down to Egypt.

And in later scriptures—specifically, Genesis 12:10—Abram’s decision to go to Egypt during a famine reveals a profound failure to trust God’s provision. Instead of relying on divine promises, he resorts to human strategy, disguising his wife to protect himself, which ultimately leads to deception and conflict. This pattern is echoed in later biblical narratives, where returning to Egypt symbolizes a rejection of God’s covenantal faithfulness. When Pharaoh pursues Israel back to Egypt, he seeks to re-enslave them, mirroring Abram’s own flight to a place of bondage. God explicitly warns His people in Jeremiah 42:13, “Do not trust human strength. Do not rely on Egypt. Rely on the Lord.” The same message resounds in Hosea 11:5, where Israel’s return to Egypt is portrayed as a refusal to repent and a step back into spiritual captivity. So rather than remaining in Canaan, where God had promised Abram security and blessing, he flees to Egypt—a choice that foreshadows the nation’s future struggles with trusting human power over divine sovereignty.

But believers, instead of running from the trial, we can trust God within the trial. Rather than fleeing from adversity, flee to God during adversity. Don’t trust in Egypt. Don’t trust in your own scheming. Don’t trust in man. Trust in God. Trust in God and in His promises.

So this leads us to the question: why does God allow trials and adversity? Why does He permit spiritual famine? The Bible speaks clearly on this. James 1:3 tells us trials strengthen our faith—testing produces steadfastness. We grow far more in trials than in times of ease. It’s to purify our souls. 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains that trials test our faith, which is more precious than gold, refined by fire, so that our endurance may result in praise, glory, and honor at Christ’s appearing. Trials refine us, deepen our trust in Him, and reveal His presence in our suffering.

Trials also wean us from dependence on earthly things. It causes us to trust the Lord. It also helps us recognize His presence more intimately because it’s through the trials—through the waters and through the fires—that we experience His presence in a way our hearts are most tenderly drawn to Him. For intimacy with God and the experience of His love is often never greater than when we’re going through times of suffering, because God is right there with you.

It’s also to remind us not indeed to get too comfortable here because like Abram here, we have no continuing city. We seek one to come. And ultimately, God’s purpose through trials is to conform us to the image of His Son. To achieve this, Paul states in Philippians 3:10 that he desires “to know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings becoming like Him in His death.” If we suffer with Him, we’ll also reign with Him. So trials purify our faith, strengthen our faith, and make us more like Jesus. Romans 8:29 confirms this purpose.

You’re not alone in this. Jesus Himself also suffered—He learned obedience through the things He suffered, as Hebrews 5:8 tells us. And now, after His suffering, He is highly exalted. So, when you’re going through trials and times of testing, remember this: your adversity is not the end of the story. It’s a light and momentary affliction, preparing you for the greater glory that is to come. Remind yourself of that—your struggles are shaping you for the glory that awaits. Because just as Jesus trusted God through suffering, you can trust Him through yours, knowing that He will exalt you in His time. 2 Corinthians 4:17.

Notice also that Abram’s fear caused him to deceive. He deceived when trusted. Not only did he doubt when tested, but he also deceived when trusted. In verses 11 through 16, we see Abram living in doubt, and now we find him increasingly living in fear. In Canaan, Abram’s doubt was concerning God’s provision during the famine. But now that he’s in Egypt, his doubt shifts from God’s provision during the famine to God’s protection from Pharaoh.

Now this leads him to do several things. Number one, it leads him to misrepresent Sarai as his sister. How about that? Ladies, how do you feel about that? What if your guy came up with this elaborate scheme? This is the story, and we’re sticking to it. Long before they arrived in Egypt, he and Sarai had already contrived a plan. Probably mostly him. He had already purposed in his heart that he was going to deceive Pharaoh.

And by the way, this is not the last time this happens. Abram will do it again in Gerar in the land of the Philistines, and later on in chapter 26, his son Isaac does the same thing with his wife. I wonder who he learned it from. As the quote says, what a tangled web that we weave when we first practice to deceive. And left unchecked, these sins can become ingrained within us, and it can even influence generations after us. This pattern of deception reveals how easily fear can erode trust in God’s promises, even when we’ve seen His faithfulness before.

Abram moved from confidence in God’s promise to fear of Pharaoh’s power. He says in verse 12, when the Egyptians see you, they’ll say, this is his wife, they’ll kill me, but they’ll let you live. Abram knows the power of the Egyptians. He knows Pharaoh is worshipped as a god, and he will take whoever he wants and kill anyone who stands in the way. Abram fears Pharaoh. He fears for his life.

And this leads us to verse 13 where Abram compromises his integrity. Please say you are my sister. Now technically, Genesis 20 verse 12 records that Sarai was Abram’s stepsister. She was the daughter of his father, but not of his mother. So when he told the Egyptians, she is my sister, it was kind of a half-truth. We’ll say that he shared the right information with the wrong implication. But you know the equation. Two half-truths equal a whole lie. His fear caused him to compromise his morality.

Now why are half-truths dangerous? Because they can lead or mislead just as much as outright lies. When fear takes a hold of us, it distorts our judgment. It weakens our ethical standards. We can justify bending the truth for safety or to protect other people. We might give in to the peer pressure to conform to unbiblical standards, to cheat in business, to get ahead, to lie, defraud, or compromise the truth. We might try to hide something in some shameful way. We want to hide it in the darkness, but that makes us a hypocrite, doesn’t it? It says we believe one thing, but we live another. Abram is living as a hypocrite.

We also notice in verses 13 through 16 that Abram was more concerned about himself than others. This self-centered plan reveals a deeper issue: a lack of trust in God’s promises. Why did he come up with this plan? So that, as verse 13 states, “it may be well with me”—that he may live because of you. Verse 16 mentions that Abram is treated well for her sake. He possesses sheep, oxen, male donkeys, and both male and female servants, along with camels.

See, there’s an ulterior motive behind Abram’s deception. At the heart of Abram’s deceit is the fact that he doesn’t trust God’s plan. He’s trying to take things into his own hands, thinking that the path to the good life and the blessings of the covenant lies in his deception rather than in God’s design. Going to Egypt, in his eyes, maybe he justified it by saying, “You know what? God’s promised to bless me. I’m just helping God out. I’m speeding things along a little bit.” And the little half-truth, that’s not going to hurt anything. Pharaoh’s going to treat me well because of Sarah. He didn’t lie to protect Sarah—he lied to benefit himself. He knew if Sarah pleased Pharaoh, not only would Pharaoh spare his life, but Abram would prosper because of her. Can we say that was selfish? Abram here is failing as a man and as a husband. He is under a covenant with God to protect his wife. But here he is using his wife as a bargaining chip.

Now, we know that Abram, driven by a desire for security rather than trust in God, accumulates livestock and servants and wealth during his time in Egypt. But these gains are not blessings from God; they’re the consequences of Abram’s disobedience. What happens because Abram goes to Egypt? He inherits a whole mess of trouble that we’ll see unfold in the Genesis narrative. While he does acquire much wealth, it ultimately becomes a source of strife rather than prosperity. When Abraham and Lot return to Canaan, their abundance of possessions leads to conflict between them. Additionally, during his sojourn in Egypt, Abram acquires a servant named Hagar, who later causes problems in his marriage with Sarah in Genesis 16. This union produces Ishmael, the father of the Arab nations, but it also sows discord that lasts for generations. The pleasures and prosperity Abram finds in Egypt also affect Lot. He becomes enamored with Egypt’s lifestyle and moves to Sodom, ultimately leading to the destruction of his family. So let this be a reminder: one compromise or poor decision can have lasting repercussions not only on ourselves but on those around us as well.

Abram, in his wisdom, recognizes Sarai’s beauty and acknowledges it publicly, stating in verse 11, “I know she is a woman of beautiful countenance.” However, he compromises his integrity by presenting her as his sister rather than his wife. The Egyptians, upon seeing Sarai, deem her very beautiful, as noted in verse 14. Abram’s deception leads them to report this to Pharaoh, who then summons Sarai into his household, the harem, intending to take her as his own. Despite the prosperity that Abram initially gains from this action, it ultimately brings judgment upon him and those around him. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of compromising one’s faith in favor of personal gain, even in times of adversity. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s providence, as Abram’s actions demonstrate that attempting to navigate life independently can lead to severe repercussions.

But verse 17, something happens. The Lord plagues Pharaoh and his house with great plagues. Now, it doesn’t specifically say what these plagues are. However, the next time we see Abram doing this, the plague is barrenness. The women cannot conceive.

And Pharaoh, in verse 18, he calls Abram out on it. He recognizes something is going awry. Why did you deceive me? Why did you say she was your sister and not tell me she was your wife? You notice what Abram’s doing? Abram is calling out to Pharaoh. He’s calling out to Pharaoh to be a blessing to the nations. And instead, what is he doing? He’s being a curse to the nations. Friends, we are blessed to be a blessing. But when we let fear dictate our decisions, and we compromise our morality, and we lower our standards to fit in, guess what? We’re going to bring a curse on society. We bring disgrace on the church. We bring reproach on ourselves. And we miss out on being a blessing to others.

So, sins in the lives of believers are worse than those in unbelievers because we’re blessed to be a blessing. When believers live in sin, we veil the gospel behind hypocrisy. Abram deceives Pharaoh out of fear, leading Pharaoh to act in good faith based on false information. Similarly, when tempted by fear, we may choose anxiety and handle things our own way instead of trusting God.

As Proverbs 29:25 teaches, the fear of man is a snare. Instead of fearing God, Abram fears Pharaoh. But friends, let me tell you: fearing God removes all other fears. If you fear God, you need not fear anyone else. The Bible declares, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear does not come from God—it comes from the enemy, from the flesh. It is the enemy’s tactic to cripple our faith. Again and again, Scripture commands, “Fear not. Don’t be afraid.” God is your refuge, your strength. When you fear God, the threats of men hold no power over you. Yet in Abram’s story, we see a man living in compromise, and thus, he fears Pharaoh.

Abram’s fear also causes him to damage his testimony. What happens? Verses 17 through 20, the Lord plagues Pharaoh in his house. Pharaoh rebukes Abram. Why did you do this? Why did you say she is my sister? I might have taken her as my wife. But notice, God does not allow Pharaoh to touch Sarai. Why? Because she is to be the mother of the promised seed. And that seed can only come through Abram. So here, again, God is preserving the seed. God is continuing the plan of redemption.

But also, Pharaoh rebukes Abram and sends him away. Verse 18 through 19, he’s gone away. Here’s, take your wife, take her, go your way. We don’t want you here anymore. Friends, what a shame it is for the ungodly to rebuke the godly. What a shame it is when ungodly, non-believers hold a higher standard than professed believers. Here a pagan king who considers himself a god among men rebukes the father of faith. Friends, may it never be said of us that we’ve drifted so far that we no longer stand distinct as salt and light in our culture. May it never be said of us that we’ve compromised on what the Bible teaches or that we’ve lowered our standards so that we look down on the world. May it never be said of us that we look and act like unbelievers or, even worse, be rebuked by them.

Notice also Abram’s witness before the Egyptians was marred by his dishonesty. Verse 19, the whole land of Egypt wants them gone. Perhaps they’ve heard of Abram and his god, but Abram grossly misrepresents the character of his god. Maybe they fear the wrath of God. But one thing is for sure, they’ve lost all respect for Abram. Friends, may we never live in a way that contradicts what we say we believe. Because the Egyptians are always watching us, and their eyes are on how we live out our faith. May we never harm our testimony by living a compromised life.

Notice also, this is our last point, God’s faithfulness to His servant. Even after his failure, God does not abandon Abram. God is still faithful. So what does he do? Look at chapter 13, verses 1 through 3. Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him to the south. Abram was very rich in livestock and silver and in gold, and he went on this journey from the south as far as Bethel (meaning “the house of God”) to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there at the first. And there, Abram called on the name of the Lord, reaffirming his commitment to God’s faithfulness and restoring his relationship with Him.

What happens when we fail? Let’s look at Abram’s example. We get back up and return to Canaan. Abram returns once again to trusting instead of scheming. He goes back to believing rather than doubting. He returns to Bethel, the house of God, to his tent, to his altar, and to the place where he was at first. There, he again calls on the name of the Lord. He devotes himself to worship, to prayer, and to praise.

Now, let’s consider some practical application. What do we do when fear strikes? What happens when famines of adversity come our way? The first step is to pause and remember God’s character and His promises. Abram’s first response was panic: “I have to get out of here. Let’s go to Egypt.” So, instead of reacting in panic, pause and remember God’s faithfulness. Remember His promises to you. He will never leave you or forsake you. He will supply all your needs. Has God ever let you down before? The answer is no. What makes us think He ever will? He has always been faithful, and He will continue to be faithful. Trust His provision. Trust His presence.

How do we trust God in the midst of adversity instead of being consumed by fear, like Abram when he panicked and ran for Egypt? We remember God’s faithfulness in the past, recalling the times He has never failed us. We meditate on His promises in the present, holding fast to the truth that He will never leave us or forsake us. And we take obedient steps of faith for the future, trusting that God will supply all our needs and complete His work in us.

But what happens when we make mistakes like Abram? What happens when we find ourselves in the midst of failure? We take these practical steps. We confess them to God. We remember the moments when fear and doubt arise and compromise pulls at us. And we name what we’re afraid of and we take it to the Lord in prayer. If you have failed, you confess to God, Lord, I’ve sinned. I’ve blown it. Will you forgive me? Will you restore me? Will you take me back to Canaan, take me back to the place of the tent and the altar? Take practical steps of obedience and rest in the promise that God is faithful to complete His work in you.

Now, we admit our failure, but we don’t stay there. We go back to Bethel, back to the house of God, back to prayer. The good news is, God will never leave His children in Egypt. He wouldn’t leave Abram in Egypt. He wouldn’t leave him in fear and compromise. He won’t leave you in fear or compromise either.

Remember that failure can strengthen your faith. Notice what happens? Abram comes back from this failure stronger and better than he was before. Because in these next two tests that we’re going to talk about, guess what? He passes them. He may have failed the first test, but he passes the next two. So maybe you feel like you’ve bombed the test. You’re like, Lord, You’re done with me. I’m done. I’ve messed it up. No. So God is faithful even when we are faithless. Even when we have made a mess of things, guess what? God forgives. God renews. God restores.

By the way, God does not allow dropouts in the school of faith, and you will repeat the test until you get it right. Return to the altar. Return to calling on the Lord. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. Throw your anxieties on the Lord. Build your altar and call on God. There. Rest in God’s promises. Know that He is more dedicated to your success than you are because He has so much more invested in you. He gave His Son for you, and He who began a good work in you will continue to complete it. And whatever God’s plan for your life is, it’ll happen—in the right way at the right time. You don’t need to live in fear. Trust God. I know that sounds too sensical, but it’s true. God is faithful. Trust His wisdom. Trust His ways. Trust His timing. Don’t be like Abram and make a mess of things by trying to jump the gun and help God out, doing things in your own way.

Now, where do we see Jesus in this? In the New Testament, we see Jesus, the greatest son of Abraham, facing every kind of adversity. You know, Jesus faced His own form of famine when He fasted—40 days in the wilderness, where He was buffeted by Satan. There, He overcame Satan in the power of the Spirit and by the word of God. His fasting was not just a test of endurance but a demonstration of complete reliance on God’s provision, just as we are called to trust God in our own trials and tests. He was tempted in every way like we are, yet without sin. Jesus faced adversity head on. He overcame every trial. He passed every test. He succeeded in every way in which Abram and you and I fail. This shows us that God’s plan is not about our perfection but His faithfulness, and through Jesus, we see the ultimate example of trusting God even when the path is difficult.

You know, we also see Jesus in Egypt, for a brief time. Matthew records that Joseph and Mary take Jesus down to Egypt because Herod the Great wants Him killed. And then when Joseph is warned in a dream, he leaves Egypt and goes back to the land of Canaan. They settle in the town of Nazareth, where Jesus will live as the perfect son of Abraham, the son of the covenant. There He will live in perfect obedience to His Father as He prepares for His ministry as the seed of Abraham—through whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed.

And ultimately we find Jesus facing the greatest adversity of all. Can you guess what that is? We sang about it a lot this morning. He faced the cross. He humbled Himself to death, the death of a cross. And for that reason God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name that is above every name. Jesus overcame every test.

So friends, you can trust Him in your own. He is there with you. He is faithful. He is the one who gives us peace. He is the Prince of Peace. He gives us peace with God through forgiveness and reconciliation. He gives us peace with one another by breaking down the barriers that sin and division create, just as His sacrifice on the cross reconciled us to God. He gives us peace in this life from His troubles. And friends, He’ll give us peace in eternity because He promises He will see us safely home.

So as they come and give us a hymn of invitation before we have communion, if you would like to come and cast your cares, fears, and anxieties on the Lord, who has already secured your peace through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and ask Him for His peace, this altar is open. There may be that you’re lost. You are in need of peace with God, a peace that is established by Christ and His work on the cross. You can cry out to Him for forgiveness and you can have peace with God and peace for all eternity this morning.