#genesis20

The Genesis chapter study is one of the most important Bible study journeys you can take, because Genesis is the foundation of every major biblical theme — creation, covenant, faith, sin, and redemption. When studying Genesis chapter by chapter, beginners gain the clarity they need to see how God’s plan unfolds from the very beginning.

Start by reading the chapter slowly in the NKJV, which is the translation I personally use for all my teaching. As you move through each section, take note of key themes, repeated words, and the character of God revealed in the passage. A structured Genesis chapter study guide helps you connect what you’re reading with the bigger biblical narrative.

However, it was not Abimelek’s righteousness prevent him from sinning. God is always the real hero (v.4, 17-18). God-given illness not only eliminates any possible adultery but does show His divine protection on the impeding covenant child-Isaac. Even when man messes up, God’s promise will never fail. He is omniscient and ominipotent.

God protects Abimelek from sinning against him, fixes the horrific damage would cause by Abraham’s deceitful scheme in order to protect his own life, and is continuously fulfilling the covenant He has established with Abraham.God is Almighty.

How  many times does God save me from sin? How many times do I repent the same transgression over and over again? Why am I still the same wicked Chrystal as I was first saved. Why do I struggle the same when people treated me unjustly? Why do I fall into the same pit repetitively? It does not make sense! God has saved me from broken relationships. I have tasted His goodness by receiving His abundant provisions-Graduating from the seminary without any debt! He reconciled the most difficult relationship in my life, from someone who hating her own mother but now adorns her and love her; from disliking herself to praising God for the changes and the new life God has granted her. Why, then, I am still so sinful?

While Abimelek can treat someone who is so ungrateful and cunning with so much grace and generosity, I am so angry at the person who is ungrateful and falsely accuse me when I was actually helping her. Abimelek never said Abraham was not wrong. When he said to Sarah, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver...before everyone you are vindicated” (v. 16), he showed his disapproval regarding Abraham’s scheme. But he did not repay evil for evil. I feel very ashamed. As God has sent a friend told me two days ago to comfort my heart, without knowing any detail, she said “Forgiving someone does not mean what she/he has done was not wrong. We are not justifying nor clearing up others’ sins, but we know God sees every burdens in our hearts and inequity in the world.” We can choose to forgive because what Christ has done and we are the ambassador of Jesus Christ so that we can imitate His example that set before. God vindicates. He does. 

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I cried after studying this chapter. Seeing my own sinfulness, comparing with Abimelek’s act, I have no right to say, “I have absolutely no fault”.

I want to leave the U.S.. I want to go to the place where the gospel is not preached nor heard. I want to live among the people which God has ordained for me to serve. I know for this time, God has called me to stay in the U.S., to finish my degree. How much longer, LORD, do I have to study. LORD, as I feel I lose my hope in You, You brought this chapter to me at this time, telling me that you sees and  you know more details than what Abimelek has disclosed (v.6). In responding to his innocence, God has already had a plan-use God’s giving illness to save him from the real disaster. 

Heavenly Father, I am exhausted and my shoulders and neck are hurting. Yet LORD, I trust you see everything that in me. Apart from the sins, struggles, and strongholds, you also see the desire to serve You and love You which You have placed in me. 

LORD, vindicate me, LORD. Do not let the lies overthrow me. Heavenly Father, please do not haste to rescue me. I need You,Father God, my LORD. 

Yours,

Chrystal 

God did miracles before my eyes, but not mine, why?

Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. 18 For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

Abraham lied, Sarah lied as well, and it almost cost a nation’s death, but God intervened and spoke to Abimelech about it. What’s interesting is that God closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, and it was until Abraham prayed, God healed their wombs. But not Sarah’s? They waited and waited, probably gave up a few times by laughing at God when He reminded them that He would provide them a child. 

What I learned from this passage is that, when God’s promises in our lives are not physically or mentally reflected before us, we are tend to discourage and continue to live the same way of unbelief just like before.

God again and again promised and reminded Abraham and Sarah that He would give them a child and nations will come out from them, but even when they prayed, God somehow showed them that people around them are going to get it before the physically experience it.

1. God is teaching us about trust and greater dependance on Him even when people are experiencing it and we are not. It takes even more courage and faith to say, God, I know and I trust in You, Lord, Your timing is perfect.

2. God is teaching us about how His promises is not for our desires and dreams. Maybe Abaraham & Sarah dreamed for more an early pregnancy life, comfortable environment. But God chose them, to experience constant faith in trusting that only He can provide, only He can lead them to life, only He can save, only He can give, only He can love, but we can’t do it back at all. Our ways are always leading us towards death, and even effects those around us, but God comes, and saves us from it, so that with Him, our first body is dead, and now we are reborn and is called His sons and daughters.

Genesis 20:1-18 (King James Version)