GENESIS 20 WEAK SPOT As the history unfolded before my understanding, I saw Abraham move farther south with all his tribe of Hebrews. He was truly a stranger and pilgrim, a sojourner in the land God promised to him and his descendants for generations to come. There were those people living in that area he would have considered wicked and perhaps he viewed them as potential enemies. An area of Abraham's personality where he was particularly vulnerable, a weak spot you might say, had to do with his personal safety. He resorted to a trick he had used before in Egypt. He told a half-lie. The words were not actually untrue, but the way they were used and the perception of those to whom they were spoken, was that they meant something different.
Deliberately promoting a misconception is really a lie. The temptation to use again a deception that had worked before, is one we must stop using. The consequences of deception are never really good for anyone in the long run. There are certain temptations we may have allowed that are very difficult to resist. The pattern of lying when we suspect we are in danger, takes us away from the position of faith in God. That leaves us with only our own schemes that are bound to fail in some way. Some lessons have to be learned over and over again when those weak spots become habits. No matter how much we love the Lord, we are still vulnerable people who are liable to turn again to trusting in the flesh.
As I saw this scene from my place looking back, I could see God in His mercy, bringing things to a head on behalf of all who were involved. By stopping the ability to have children, Abimelech and his people were made aware that something was wrong. By Sarah being preserved from going into an adulterous situation, both Abraham and Sarah were able to keep their marriage bond intact. Abimelech's intentions were forestalled even though he felt he had acted with integrity. God very plainly controlled the whole situation caused by Abraham's weak spot, and preserved all of them from far greater sins.
I learned as I read this passage of historical truth that the flesh never changes. Even one who is not a novice in the life of faith, fails when there is a repeated sin. In this incident, the fear of man was greater than the promise of God that through Sarah would come the son of promise. The flesh may use different forms to take advantage of our weak spots. We must remember we can do nothing without God when we are living by faith. Even in our failures, God is acting on our behalf.
The rebuke of Abraham from the unbeliever was justified. He failed in faith. He had wronged his wife. He had wronged a man of the world. Abraham had done what many unbelievers would not do. In his act of duplicity, he tried to justify his actions by putting the blame on others around him.
I learned that when one thinks only of himself and bases his own actions on what he thinks, without knowing God's will, then our own personal weakness becomes very obvious. It is possible to lose one's testimony in a very short time. It is always hard to say, "I have sinned." "I have done wrong." To try to excuse myself for acting in the flesh is to fail in my life of faith.
This can happen to me - even me!
I wonder do I know myself well enough to know my many weaknesses? Are there weak spots in my personality that lead me to deceitfulness? To stop and consider what I am really like takes some serious consideration; Because I am sensible enough to know there are areas in my life that are hidden.
I may try to pretend I am above all those things other people try to do. But I really know those same fleshly interests are within me too. So, I must face the fact that even though God has made me a son - I am not entirely free from the influence of the flesh until my life on earth is done.
The weak spot of duplicity can arise in me when there is danger I can sense. There is a natural tendency to keep a tight fist on all my dollars and cents.
Often, I wonder what people think, do they really trust me? Or are they cautious when I am around fearing what I might do or say?
As I have grown older,I have learned this much, the flesh in me has not changed. The flesh still attempts to favor myself, some things I try to rearrange. But I know in my heart it doesn't really matter what people think or do. God knows what I am and what I am doing even before I am through .
It makes common sense, let alone spiritual sense for me to be open and honest. There are times when I am tempted to sin, but I have from God this promise; "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee," so by God's grace I continue to seek To honor Him by my integrity in decisions and the actions I make.
It really is my desire to please the Lord, but I am still in this body of clay. And I know that my weak spots will rise if I'm not careful about what I say. I must rely on my Lord alone; I do not want to deceive other people. The faith God gives as I spend time in His Word, will keep me from another sequel.
"Lord God, my Father: remember Thy servant today and help me to keep a lid on my thoughts and a door on my lips that I will not sin against Thee, or say, or do, anything that would dishonor Thee. My soul cries out to Thee for the needed strength and wisdom to override these weak spots. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."