In Genesis 12:9-20 we read of Abram’s faith in God being tested and how he failed the test. His failure (not meant to discourage us) teaches us that despite man’s failures, God will continue to keep His word and promises. God can turn things around, and He can even turn our failures into our growth in faith in Him. Abram sinned when he took matters into his own hands instead of trusting God and seeking His will.

1.    Lack of Faith in God's Provision (Gen 12:9-10)

When there was a famine in the Promised Land, Abram looked around and saw that there was food in Egypt, and so he decided to move out of the Promised Land into Egypt. Abram failed to look up to God for His direction and daily provision. Abram walked by sight, not by faith.

When our faith is tested concerning our daily provisions, will we also walk by sight and fail to trust in God to provide? Are we prepared to remain firmly in obedience to God even if it means losing our jobs, and doubts may arise over our daily provision?

2.    Lack of Faith in God's Preservation (Gen 12:11-16)

Abram had made the decision to lie about Sarai even before he arrived in Egypt. This shows that he had no faith in God to preserve him. He ended up justifying his sin of lying, i.e. to save his life. When confronted with such situations in our lives (i.e. choose to obey God and die, or to disobey God and live), what will we choose to do?

3.    Restoration of Faith by God's Intervention (Gen 12:17-20)

God brought a plague to Pharaoh and his house to make him see the truth of the matter and to correct Abram’s failure. Abram’s faith in God is strengthened in the process.

Our faith in God will be tested. Abram failed, be warned that we too may fail. When we fail, punishment will come as God chastises us to bring us back to Him. To pass the test of faith, we must know God and His Word well and draw close to Him. We must always choose to obey God, put our faith in Him and trust Him.