Struggling with fear that clouds judgment is not uncommon. Although God intended the emotion of fear to protect us, it can also become exaggerated. When this happens, it leads us to make poor decisions, as characterized by Abraham.
In the quiet hours of the early morning, Abimelech, King of Gerar, awoke from a dream that would shake the foundations of his world. Genesis 20: 8 Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified. 9 Then Abimelech called for Abraham. “What have you done to us?” he demanded. “What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! 10 Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” [1]
Abraham, deeply faithful, allowed his fear of death to cloud his judgment, misleading Abimelech by calling Sarah his sister. This incident illustrates that even those close to God can succumb to fear, making choices that threaten not only their well-being but also that of those around them.
Faith’s Pathway to Forgiveness
The aftermath of Abraham’s deception emphasizes the vital role of faith in seeking and receiving forgiveness. Abimelech, though wronged, was open to understanding that God intervened to protect Sarah and confront him. Abraham, facing the consequences of his fear-driven actions, was confronted with his lack of faith in God’s protection.
Although Abraham did not ask Abimelech to forgive him, it certainly would have been the right thing to do. As people, we need to ask God to forgive us when we sin and, at times, ask others to forgive us as well. There is something that happens in our hearts when we admit our failures and lean into God’s love. Through humble confession and renewed trust in God’s character, we can experience the liberating power of forgiveness. God’s goal is always to lead us to a repentant heart so He can restore us.
Cultivating Discernment Through Trust
Abimelech asked Abraham a pointed question. Genesis 20:10Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” [2]. If Abraham had fully trusted God, he would have known that God could protect him and Sarah without resorting to deception. The same applies to us.
With God’s help, we can cultivate a discerning spirit through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As we do this, it allows His truth to guide us and dispel fear. In God’s mercy, as our faith grows, our discernment sharpens. This enables us to make wise choices that honor God and uplift others rather than succumbing to fear’s deceptive whispers.
To learn more about struggling with fear that clouds judgment, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-fear-leads-to-deceit
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.