Off to Egypt...

The journey begins with a famine in the land of Canaan. Drought and heat burned up the crops before harvest. The clover usually carpeting the fields that fed their herds was bare. 

Abraham, Sarah and their household left their territory, seeking refuge in Egypt. 

This is the first introduction to Egypt in the Bible. Throughout the Bible, it teaches that a life of faith is full of obstacles. Abraham’s life confirms this.

Abraham experienced several obstacles and tests throughout his journey. God called him to leave his homeland. Sarah (his wife) was barren and the land God promised to him was occupied. In Genesis 12:10 we discover Abraham faced the unexpected challenge of famine. 

The famine probably left Abraham overwhelmed, doubting God with his current circumstance, and taking matters into his own power. His decision to proceed down to Egypt was him trying to turn away from his problem without waiting on God to maintain them as promised. 

Think about it... This was the guy who took up his whole house and traveled to a faraway land on God’s promise that he would make a nation of his descendants. Yet, when the famine hit, he fled to Egypt.

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As Abraham and Sarah got closer to Egypt; Abraham realized that Sarah’s beauty could cause some problems. Fear began to creep into his mind and he became worried the Egyptians would kill him to take Sarah. The Bible describes Sarah’s looks as appealing. 

Abraham suggested they tell the Egyptians that Sarah was his sister. 

After their arrival, one of Pharaoh’s men saw Sarah and told Pharaoh of her beauty. She was taken into Pharaoh’s house, and he planned to make her a part of his harem. Because of Sarah, the Egyptians treated Abraham with respect as well as giving him sheep, oxen and servants.  

Sarah being placed in this state of affairs must have really angered God, because he plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues. 

And so, Pharaoh sent for Abraham.

Pharaoh commanded Abraham to take Sarah, his servants, and all the gifts he gave him and leave Egypt. He even provided them with a royal escort to ensure their party vacated. 

Even when our faithfulness to God fails, God’s faithfulness endures. Abraham left Egypt with more wealth than when he entered.

What are your challenging situations and what direction will you go to get assistance in dealing with them?

Altars can be made anywhere, in the physical world and in the cathedrals of our hearts.

When challenges arise, seek Jesus and consult the Word. It's infallible direction to live by.

Blessings,

LD Browning​