Mensa Otabil - A Time of Famine
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We close our chapter on this part of our study of Abraham. It’s not the end of our study of Abraham, but just this segment in Genesis chapter 12, where God calls him. We will have the opportunity to study other aspects of Abraham another time. So, Genesis chapter 12, verse 10: «Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.»
Just reading the Bible is fascinating. Here he is; he’s been to Canaan, and God says, «This is the land.» He goes to Bethel, builds an altar, and it seems like everything is going well for Abraham. Then, out of nowhere, there is famine. Here is a man who is walking in the ways of God; he is obeying God, and it seems like God is with him—God is speaking to him and things are going well. Then suddenly, a famine comes into the land.
Walking with God takes us through different places and different seasons. It’s not just one journey; it’s not all roses and honey, and things aren’t always nice. You can be right in the center of God’s will and still experience famine, and that’s what Abraham is going through. If you are facing a difficulty of famine—a season of scarcity when things appear hard—it’s common to think God is angry with you, that you have displeased Him, or that the devil is attacking you.
Could it just be a phase that God wants you to go through? It’s a process He wants you to experience. God is with us even during famine, and the scarcity or tough times must never suggest that we are out of the will of God. There are moments when being out of the will of God may lead to difficulties, but just check your heart: have you disobeyed God? Are you dishonoring God? Are you living in sin? If that’s not your story, but you’re still experiencing famine, you have company with Abraham.
The famine was severe after he had gone to Canaan, after he had traversed all these lands, and after it seemed like God was blessing him. So, why do we go through famine? To test our faith. God tests our faith and our obedience. Do you only trust Him in abundance, or do you also trust Him in scarcity? Do you only trust Him when things are going well, or do you continue to trust Him when you can’t figure out how things are going? Remember, everything God wants from us is faith.
All life experiences and our walk with God are faith walks—both in famine and in abundance. Thus, being able to endure famine is very important. Remember, God is able to bless us even in a season of scarcity. There may be hardship everywhere, but somehow He can isolate His children and bless them. So, even if hardship surrounds you, may the Lord bless you, prosper you, meet your needs, and may you be a watered garden wherever you are. Going through famine helps us appreciate God’s abundance.
When God brings you to abundance, remember the famine, and do not take that abundance for granted. Walking with God and living by faith, like Abraham from his father’s family in Ur of the Chaldeans, we conclude our story with Abraham in Egypt and in famine. Isn’t it amazing that his descendants also went to Egypt and suffered for many years until they were delivered? The life of Abraham was a prelude to the life of Israel.
Let’s pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, you are with me when I go through the seasons of famine. I look up to you as the supplier of all my needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.» May the Lord watch over you throughout this day. I’ll catch you again tomorrow as we start something new. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom—peace and life to you.