Trusting God on a personal level - Genesis 12:10-13:18

Genesis 12:10-13
Trusting God on a personal level.
INTRO
Do you recall what I preached on the last time I was given an opportunity to do
so?
It was on the unbreakable promises of God. Now, what were the two points in
that sermon that God’s promises withstood the test of? The first was the
unbreakable promises of God withstand the test of…Time. And the second was
the unbreakable promises of God withstand the test of…Evil. The lapse of Time
will not thwart God’s promises coming to fruition nor will any measure of Evil.
TRUTHS we all, in a general sense, share and can be confident…in God about.
Today, God’s unbreakable promises get more individualized in being
challenged. They hit home on a personal level. Relatable,…but more personal
in it’s nature as we see it portrayed in the life of Abram. We saw early on a
movement in Abram’s life to go to Canaan and then God specifically calling
Abram to the land of Canaan and making a Covenant with him…promising that
He (God) “will make of Abram a great nation, and I will bless him and make his
name great, so that he will be a blessing.…., and that in Abram,…all the families
of the earth shall be blessed.” God makes this wonderful covenantal promise to
Abram. Abram obediently responds to God’s calling on his life and picks up
his family to go to the land of Canaan and settles there. ABRAM finds this
nice piece of land in the “hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent,
with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the
LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 12:8). Alright…not
bad. A good start. “I’m in the land God told me to go.” “I found a good spot…
staked my claim here…built and alter…calling on the name of the Lord who has
made this promise with me specifically. He is my God, I’m walking with Him.
Okay then…what next? How is this blessing, this life walking with God going
to unfold? And it’s here where life gets interesting as it often does when
walking with God. What’s next is Trusting God’s promises on a personal level.
For when one responds to God’s call on their life and believes His promises,…
not only in a general sense…Jesus is Lord, Jesus Saves, God is Glorious…but
believes God’s unbreakable promises on a personal level…takes them to their
heart as their own. Jesus is my Lord, Jesus is my Savior, my God is supremely
Glorious, He is my Father and Redeemer. He is my God and everyone of His
promises I take to heart as-my-own. It’s here where life, where walking with

God, get’s interesting. It’s where Trusting God’s promises on a personal level
take shape. We could shorten this even further,…for if you are trusting God,…
then you are trusting in everyone of His promises found in His Word. This is the
BIG IDEA for today’s message. Trusting God on a personal level.
Abram’s TRUST in God is showcased in two ways in the passage before us
this morning for our learning in the example seen in him from chapter 12
(verse 10) through all of chapter 13.
The FIRST example, and therefore our first point in regards to trusting God on a
personal level…is…
BODY
1)

FIRST POINT - (Genesis 12:10-20). Circumstantial Adversity

Trusting God in the face of circumstantial adversity. (verses 10-20)
Trusting God in the face of circumstantial adversity.
How is Abram’s Trust in God on a personal level going to hold up when it’s
placed in the face of Circumstantial Adversity?
There is no time frame is provided…but nevertheless, what does (verse 10) tell
us takes place? There was a famine in the land…and for emphasis it’s
mentioned twice with the added ‘severe’ adjective. Causing ABRAM to pick up
camp and head down to Egypt where the Nile River still provided water for food
to be grown. This was not a moved based on anything but….mere survival.
No doubt a drought is what is taking place here in the land of Canaan and if
Abram and all the people (plural..not just his wife and nephew Lot and his wife)
but people he acquired in Haran..if they were to survive..they needed to leave
the “hill country on the east of Bethel….” where they settled and head to lower
ground to go to a place where water was. The closest best watered
place….EGYPT where the Nile river courses through. Circumstantial Adversity.
Things taking place that are out of your control. Not God’s,..but yours. This
move was necessary.
And GOD,…who summons famines on the earth for His purposes (Psalm
105:16). Any Climate change is only by God’s decree. GOD brings a severe
famine in this part of the earth resulting in Abram’s need of survival to pick up
and move. To make a change he otherwise would-not-do. Circumstantial
Adversity. Can we Trust God on a personal level in the face of Circumstantial
Adversity? And before we move forward at the example Abram provides for us,

…let us pause and consider other types that we may or already have
experienced ourselves.
Anyone here ever have their home catch on fire? I remember that moment so
vividly. During a community group gathering at our place, JASON, being a
volunteer to our local Parkdale fire department, receives a notification on his
phone about a house on fire. He recognizes the address and announces in
bewilderment. “Our house is on fire!” His father CRAIG repeats the statement
back to him as a question. “Your house is on fire?” JASON verifies the
address. “Is our address……such and such Culbertson road?” Craig nods
YES. JASON replies…“Yes, our house is on fire!” That moment was surreal.
The day after the remodeling of the apartment on Jason and Amanda’s
property…purposed with prayer and personal sweat to have as a suitable place
for his grandparents to live is now…up in flames. If this Circumstantial
Adversity doesn’t fly in the face of our personal trust in God…I don’t know
what would.
Unexpected death of a loved one is another one. As would an unexpected
health diagnosis for yourself,…or for your wife,…your child,…an aging parent…
any family member and loved one. How about injuries suﬀered from any
multitude of ways? A car accident,….being injured on the job,…while working
at home, …while recreating. Anther example would be a Job Lay-oﬀ……..
You know THINGS you don’t plan for…THINGS you don’t foresee, THINGS
you wish would-not-happen…but in life - DO. They DO for all of us.
Circumstantial Adversities that fly in the face of Trusting God on a personal level.
Things taking place that are out of your control that cause you to make a
change you otherwise would-not-do.
Getting back to ABRAM now,…heading to Egypt, having an encounter to Trust
God in the face of Circumstantial Adversity. What was going through his head
at this time? “My family is in need. I’m going to a place where I am a stranger.
There is a very powerful man there whom I am at the mercy of. How is this
going to go? I’m in a very vulnerable state and who or what is to stop Pharaoh
from taking advantage of it?” These sort of questions had to be circulating
around in his thoughts. Why wouldn’t they?
Moment of decision. Step forward in faith,..OR take matters into my own
hands,…as best I can.
ABRAM does the latter. The leverage he
identifies to exploit is found in the physical attractiveness of his wife. “This is
something I can use.” So ABRAM devices a plan without seeking the Lord nor
inquiring of anyone else’s input,….which should serve as a warning sign of his

departure of walking with God by faith. Let’s go ahead and read (verses 11-16)
to hear of this account.
I’m persuaded to think that Sarai…taken in Pharaoh’s house as his wife,..and
all that entails….was so for a length of time for we read how it indeed did go
well with Abram, by the hand of Pharaoh for the sake of Sarai Abrams’ wife.
ABRAM accumulates a lot of wealth in Egypt as (verse 16) clearly depicts.
That had to have taken a fair amount of time,…unless, however, it was all a gift
to ABRAM from Pharaoh for taking his (so-called sister) as his own wife.
That is certainly possible and therefore her stay in Pharaoh’s house may
just have been one night.
But does it really matter? Isn’t it all just a moot
point?….For in the end, ABRAM was okay with the arrangement so long as it
went well with him. That is the point…THAT is the issue at hand. THAT is the
outcome of acting, not in faith, but rather, taking matters into your own hands
as best you can.
Allow me to paraphrase it another way in a general sense to bring some current
day perspective on what took place. Here is a man, recognizing his own
bride’s physical beauty and how any man would find her attractive,….exploits
her, (and I mean all of her, her physical beauty…her body) exploits her for the
purpose of not only self preservation but also personal gain.
I’ll shorten it a bit more. Because other men will want you sexually, I am
going to use that for my benefit at your cost….for your sake…the sake of your
purity…for the sake of your emotional and physical well being that it may go
well—with—me. My concern is for me…not you.
There are some accurate, while filthy,…names that could be ascribed to one
who does such a thing. This is more or less what Abram does with his own
wife…his bride….This was a deplorable act on behalf of ABRAM. It’s
disturbing to even consider. This great man of faith the Pharisees rave about.
This ought to shine some light on the perspective of how John the Baptist
says “God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham”
(Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8)
ABRAM is a poor example here. ABRAM was not trusting God on a personal
level when it was put to the test under Circumstantial Adversities.
Now, how is this helpful to us? Well, are we any less prone to such accounts in
our life? No doubt each one of us have deplorable acts recorded in God’s book
of our lives. Similar to Abram, this doesn’t thwart God’s purposes in being
fulfilled nor does it give us an allowance or license to sin as we please. We are

held accountable to every idle thought, every word spoken, every deed done or
not done…. And sin, though it can be forgiven and washed entirely clean by
the blood of Jesus Christ through faith in him, has consequences both in this life
and in the one to come.
Never think it doesn’t. Satan would want you to believe so, but he is a
liar and you are believing lies if you think that. SIN is to be abhorred and if you
have sin in your life, no matter what it is,…it ought to grieve your spirit deeply.
(Psalm 38) is a great example of such being expressed to God. This statement
is true and worthy of acceptance…..SIN ought to grieve your spirit deeply and
equally true is that God is not interrupted one iota in bringing about his good
purposes and good plans in your life and in the world. God’s story of
redemption, that he promised at the beginning when Adam and Eve first fell, will
continue to be seen through to the end. ABRAM’S lack of trust and deplorable
faithlessness didn’t halt it….nor will anyones for all time. (2 Timothy 2:13)
“When we are faithless God remains Faithful…”….and this ought to be a great
comfort to our souls.
How should have Abram conducted himself? Showing himself to be a man of
faith, trusting in God’s promises and calling on his life? He should have sought
counsel from the Lord for starters. That should be the beginning point. And
then, moving forward with changes he otherwise would-not-do because of
the famine.
I believe ABRAM could of conducted himself something along these lines when
he goes into Egypt and meets the Pharaoh…the ruler of the land…the guy in
charge. ABRAM could have approached the situation this way: “Greetings
Pharaoh. This is who I am. This is our situation. I’m at your mercy.” Knowing,
…that like himself,…(Pharaoh) is actually at the mercy of God because whoever
Pharaoh is…or any person for that matter…whether they worship God or not…
God is God…He is Sovereign over them. He who “directs the heart of kings like
a stream of water…turning it wherever He will”. (Proverbs 21:1). Whether a king
or not….God is in control…ABRAM was in His care…same as you and I. No
harm is going to befall Abram or us unless He permits it. (Psalm 27:1) “The
LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the
stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Abram could have told Pharaoh…the truth. And accepted whatever would
come. That’s meekness…Accepting what comes…trusting that God is in
control. Whatever is going to be…is determined by God and He won’t break
His promises. Tell the truth…respectfully…showing honor…tell-the-truth.

NO DOUBT we have all faced Circumstantial Adversities in our life and will have
more ahead of us. How will you…how will I act in that moment of decision?
Move forward in FAITH, trusting God on a personal level. Letting go and
trusting His providential care over you and accepting whatever He permits to
come while never questioning his goodness and great and precious promises
that are yours in Christ Jesus.
OR, will you YIELD to the temptation to take matters into your own hands
and devise a plan of your own making that is self serving at the cost of others.
By God’s grace…May we act in FAITH and trust God on a personal level
when we face Circumstantial Adversities. Big and small. They both matter
(Verse 20) Abram, departs Egypt, And I sense there to be an abhorrence of his
actions. For ABRAM himself didn’t change his course in Egypt. It was God
who stepped in and dealt with Pharaoh to make the truth known as (verses
17-19) inform us. ABRAM was in good standing in Egypt under the
circumstances prior to God intervening. The list of assets indicate that
ABRAM’S wealth increased greatly. To have camels now. Just that alone,
during this time frame, indicated the prosperity ABRAM is having under
Pharaoh’s favor who is doing so on account of his so-called-sister that was
taken into Pharaoh’s home. A glance ahead to (verse 2) in chapter 13, where
we are going next…..as we are transitioning here,..chapter 13 (verse 2)
references about ABRAM’S wealth again. “Now Abram was very rich (very rich)
in livestock, in silver, and in gold.”
So let’s be careful to recognize here….prosperity does not necessarily equate
to God’s approval. It may…but don’t bank on it. The (Micah 6:8) verse Ben
referenced a time back more accurately depicts what God approves of in your
life. Does your life line up with “doing justice, loving kindness, and walking
humbly with your God”. ABRAM’S certainly didn’t at this place in time. Don’t
look at your bank account or your personal assets to measure your approval by
God. ABRAM is confronted with the reality of his actions, as Pharaoh
confronts him about the truth and gives “men orders concerning Abram, to
send him away with his wife and all that he had.” AND as we transition to our
next point I must consider ABRAM was at a moment of reflection in his life right
here.
ABRAM is at this place following an epic (and yes I use this word sparingly)
following an epic FAILURE. Where does Abram go? He goes back to the
beginning.
Inigo’s line from Princess Bride triggered in my mind on this
thought. When Inigo is at his lowest of low points…he says this… “I’m waiting

for you Vizzini. You told me to go back to the beginning…so I have. This is
where I am, this is where I’ll stay…I will not be moved”.
The beginning here with ABRAM, is the place where he first called upon
the name of the Lord. (Verse 3 and 4) of chapter 13…“And he (Abram)
journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had
been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place where he had
made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the
LORD.”
Prior to this God speaks to ABRAM (Genesis 12:1-4) while he was still in
Haran about what He (God) will do through him. It’s the first mentioning of the
covenant promise God makes with Abram, signifying the calling God has on his
life.
NEXT is where God actually appeared to - him and aﬃrmed his promises
made to ABRAM (Genesis 12:7) when ABRAM came into the land of Canaan.
An encounter with God takes place in the land of Canaan where ABRAM places
a memory marker at. “So he built there…an altar to the LORD, who had
appeared to him.” As Ben noted,…there is progression in ABRAM’S walk with
God. First it was God speaking to Abram, next God shows himself to him and
then,…a bit south from that place, ABRAM ‘settles’ in the land promised “in the
hill country between Bethel and Ai.” and it was at this place,.. in the land of
Canaan, in the promise land, where we read for the first time “Abram calling
upon the name of the Lord”. I see that as a notable distinction in the
progression…and it’s here ….It’s here….where ABRAM returns to after His
failure, and I believe,… is doing some reflection of where he is at with the Lord.
Considering his epic failure,…and in contrast…the Lord’s faithfulness despite it
and how to move forward rightly.
Self-reflection. It’s a good and healthy practice in a christian’s life. Take
inventory of your heart, your involvements, your use of time,…in short and all
encompassing….your walk with God. Are you walking with God? Would a
trusted friend aﬃrm that you are? Reflection on your Christian life ought to be
a regular practice. Am I regularly in God’s Word? How’s my prayer life? Have I
shared the gospel with anyone recently? Am I praying for opportunities to do
so? Am I confessing sin in my life. Am I growing in the fruits of the Spirit. Are
the Christian virtues listed by Peter (2 Peter 1) that I am to add to my faith being
sought after to grow in? Am….I….seeking…..God?
Self-reflection is a good and healthy practice in a christian’s life…and I believe
ABRAM was doing just that here in this moment. Still licking the wounds of his
deplorable behavior centered on self preservation and selfish gain at the
expense of his very wife. ABRAM, doing some self-reflection, returns to this

place and once again…once again (verse 4) of chapter 13, “…called upon the
name of the Lord.”….that he may rightly move forward.
My God may we do likewise when we stumble and fall. Return to God,…..call
upon the name of the Lord once again that we may rightly move forward. This is
what ABRAM does. For, in short time, another adversity rises against God’s
promises. Which is our second point and that is 2)

SECOND POINT (Genesis 13) - Relational the Adversity

Trusting God in the face of Relational Adversity. Focusing our attention
completely now on (Genesis chapter 13)
Trusting God in the face of Relational Adversity.
I’ll say,….in some ways…not to lighten to any degree…Circumstantial
Adversities….Relational Adversities can be much more challenging.
Circumstantial Adversities….are out of your control….l can accept this….I mean,
what can I do? It is what it is. This is happening. It’s out of my hands.
Whereas adversities…Tensions, diﬃculties, a straining…that stem between you
and another person…between two parties……You can’t change people and you
yourself are sinfully complex in your contribution to the problem.
Husband and wife: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD”. (Proverbs 18:22)
Not feeling the favor right now LORD,….and because of me, nor is my wife in a
happy place.
Parent and child: “Blessed is the man who has children… “who’s quiver is full
of them.”…as (Psalm 127:5) states it. Well Lord, the arrows in my quiver are
soaked in my blood. (Proverbs 22:6) “Training them up in the way they should
go” yields a lot of bleeding on my part. The adversity that exists between us at
times ferociously causes bloody wounds. I’m hurting. I’m bleeding…Lord!
Between Christians: (Psalm 133:1-2) “Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running
down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his
robes!”
It’s not happening right now LORD,…in fact, there is a lot of turmoil in my
soul because of this beloved Christian brother or sister. And I know I’m

currently not their delight either. I’m challenged in trusting you in how this will
be worked out.
LORD, I’m not feeling unity like “the oil running down the beard of
Aaron…” but rather it’s more like melted wax covering a mangy horses tail.
I TRUST you…I do.. But how will unity be restored when such is the current
state of things?
(Hebrews 12:14). “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without
which no one will see the Lord.” In regards to outsiders, LORD….this isn’t going
well. They are unreasonable. Their thinking is nonsensical. What am I to do?
Perhaps ABRAM will provide us a good example this time as how to rightly
move forward,…trusting God in FAITH,..when facing Relational Adversities.
Back to ABRAM now,…who, remember, has been confronted with the reality of
his actions. He returns to calling upon the Lord and…Praise be to God…
ABRAM responds completely diﬀerent to this adversity. He responds to the
situation with meekness, with showing grace and compassion, showing favor
to the other…putting himself second…not first. There is a change here. He
learned from that past mistake. Such takes place when one reflects upon
themselves…takes inventory of their lives at all times but especially where
failure exists.
So what is the situation and how does Abram respond?
(Verse 5 & 6) say it plainly with the added tension on the situation made known
in (verse 7). ABRAM and LOT….and all that they possess are back in the land
of Canaan…that already had, mind you…. Already had people populating it “At
that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land” and it’s
clear the land is not able to support them all living in one area. ABRAM, in
(verse 9) behaves in stark contrast to as he did before. He puts his nephew,
LOT, before himself. Paraphrasing (verses 8 & 9). “Here is the situation
nephew. And these are relational adversities happening because of it. Lest it
only escalate, for the good of both our families, lets separate. And I tell you
what. I’ll put aside my rights as the older between us and oﬀer you the first
choice.”
In short, what ABRAM is doing here is letting go and trusting God. Trusting
that God is in control and that whatever comes is that which is permitted by Him
and a part of His purposes in fulfilling every promise of God’s for him. ABRAM is
a completely diﬀerent man here. He is behaving in FAITH with meekness,

kindness and humility. He is not putting himself first, he is “seeking peace and
pursuing it.” (Psalm 34:14). ABRAM is being a good example for us when we
face Relational Adversities.
Learn from his example. Conduct yourself in the fear of the Lord as you move
forward working towards resolving, to the measure you are able, resolving any
fracture that exists in any of the relationships you have. What does ABRAM
embody here? Gospel living. He embodies Christlikeness. He gets 5 stars for
(Romans 12:10) “Love one another with brotherly aﬀection. Outdo one another
in showing honor.” And also (Romans 12:18) “If possible, so far as it depends
on you, live peaceably with all.”
ABRAM is a work in progress and He is working with God as we can see by his
change of response when trusting God on a personal level is put to the test.
May we,…in like adversities, Circumstantial or Relational…live out the gospel as
he did.
Easier said than done right? I know. It seems like it is impossible at times.
But the only hope to be able to do so is by the example Abram provides. Go
back to the beginning and Call upon the name of the Lord for His help to do so.
Keep your eyes fixed on Him and step forward in FAITH according to His Word
believing He will supply the help in that moment. Not a second early nor late.
It’s how Peter walked on water and it’s how we may be able to trust God on a
personal level when meeting head on, seemingly impossible adversities in life.
Before we step into our closing portion of today’s sermon…let’s not miss the
ripe opportunity to receive a warning from God’s Word in some of the details
provided in LOT’S decision. Now, there is nothing wrong with choosing good
land. First choice was given to LOT. He has experienced drought which leads
to famine….mindful of the diﬃculties it brought,…he selects (verse 10) the
well watered “….Jordan Valley ….watered everywhere like the garden of the
LORD, like the land of Egypt…”. From the place they just came from mind you.
And don’t miss the details the Holy Spirit was sure to keep record of. This
area was where Sodom and Gomorrah was..before the Lord destroyed the cities
and also that the “… the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the
LORD.” That’s seen in (verse 13).
You get the sense that LOT was
much about ease…comfort and toleration of the wicked that he may perhaps
enjoy some of the delicacies made available by them. IN ONE WORD.
Compromise. LOT’S life, as we will see more exposure of later on as we

proceed through this book,….was that his life was one of compromise. It’s seen
here.
There was nothing wrong with living in the Jordon valley…but what does
(verse 12) tell us? “…Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his
tent as far as Sodom.” Sodom, which was known to house wicked men who
were great sinners against the Lord. Apparently LOT was willing to tolerate
that for whatever allurement enticed him. The other cities,….the ones located
in the well watered everywhere Jordan Valley,….watered like the garden of the
Lord, like the land of Egypt. LOT wasn’t content in those cities…..NO, he had
to go as far as Sodom… right to the Edge….which we’ll see later was still not
enough…for he traded in his tent outside the city of Sodom to a house within
the city of Sodom. You see…Compromise always leads to more
…..Compromise. Every time.
Please learn from LOT’S poor example and don’t do likewise.
The closing of this chapter 13 has a tenderness about it that I just love.
CONCLUSION
After LOT separates from ABRAM - In (verses 14 thru 16) God speaks to
Abram again…reaﬃrming His covenant promise with him. Which is so tender of
God isn’t it? ABRAM, now conducting himself in a humble way, demonstrating
trust in God, not acting out of self preservation. Immediately, we read, when
the separation is done God reassures ABRAM of His promise made to him.
What a Father. And what an example by ABRAM of acting in faith. Our Father
will do just this. He will bring reassurance to our heart on the coattails of us
acting in faith. We see this played out in the gospels do we not? JESUS
routinely held oﬀ healing of ones coming to him, seeking His compassion to
heal them. JESUS routinely interacted with them in a manner to draw out
their….faith. Once their faith was drawn out…HE would act. IN FACT, often
times he would say it with that emphasis. “Your faith has made you well. Go in
peace.” (Mark 5:34 Luke 7:50) We see this reflected here. GOD speaks to
Abram words of encouragement…words that show God’s commendation of
ABRAM conducting himself in a faithful manner.
ABRAM travels a distance south in obedience to God’s aﬃrming words to him to
check out the territory promised to him (Genesis 13:17) “Arise, walk through the
length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” This also puts further
distance between Abram and Lot.
ABRAM settles at a this new area, this new place, new beginnings you
could say,….and here, builds another alter to the LORD (his 3rd one), marking

as before, that ABRAM is one who calls upon the name of the Lord. This man’s
FAITH is growing….fueled by the second chances to Trust God on a personal
level. WE, in like manner, can call upon The name of The Lord and grow in our
faith at the countless second chances….new beginnings we find at the foot of
the cross of Jesus Christ. Being renewed by the hope of the gospel to trust
God on a personal level and rightly move forward walking by FAITH with Him
every step of the way.

- PRAY
COMMUNION
BENEDICTION
(Psalm 27:1) “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The
LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”


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