The Impact of Bad Decisions

Scripture – Genesis 12:17-20: But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Pharaoh paid the price for Abram’s sin. Sarai, likewise, was affected by all this. On the surface, it looks like Abram came out ahead. What’s up with that?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) What I do affects other people. I once heard a sermon entitled, “What Does Your Sin Cost Me?” The point is, we don’t live in isolation. My actions today impact the lives of any number of other people – for good or bad. I made some bad choices yesterday. I have some apologizing to do today. I will do that. And I will be aware of the affect my choices have on other people.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) First of all, Lord, thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for preserving stories of Abram’s mistakes, as well as his faithfulness. Help me do better today. Bring healing where I have caused pain. Lift me and use me as you see fit.