Three Ways God Can Vindicate Financial Wrongs
Genesis 20:16 shares Abimelech's response to a tough situation that he found himself in. Abraham moved to Gerar, where Abimelech was king. Out of fear, Abraham asked Sarah to lie to the king, telling him that she was his sister rather than his wife. Being obedient, Sarah did so.
God later spoke to Abimelech in a dream. He let him know the true nature of Abraham and Sarah's true relationship. When Abimelech approached Abraham about it, Abraham told him the truth.
Although Abimelech never touched Sarah, he wanted to right the wrong that had occurred. Abimelech returned Sarah to Abraham. But he didn't feel that was enough. He also gave Abraham some silver to cover the offense against Sarah.
This verse shows us how God will also look out for us when someone wrongs us.
1) God knows and sees when we have been wronged
While Sarah was partially responsible for her circumstance, we cannot overlook the fact that she was being obedient to her husband. The Bible tells us that husbands are the heads of their homes, and wives should allow them to lead, even when they may not agree with the decision.
Even though Sarah was in an awkward situation, God never left her. He made sure that Abimelech didn't sin against God with Sarah. God also went to Abimelech in a dream to help bring everything to light. God knew what Sarah needed and was able to work through Abimelech to help her.
There will be times in life where people will cause harm to us financially. While it may not feel like it, God has seen it and can right the wrong brought against you.
2) God will cover offenses against us
The silver Abimelech gave to Abraham was given to him to help cover the offense against Sarah. I see this as similar to how courts award money to victims for pain and suffering.
God can also provide for us monetarily through someone else when a wrong has been committed against us. We never know who God will use to assist us in dealing with our pain. God sends blessings in many different forms.
3) People will see your testimony
Abimelech gave the money to Abraham in front of others. This was a public sign of Abimelech's apology to Sarah. God will also bless us openly so that all who are around us will see and know God's presence and provision.
When God comes through for us, it gives us a chance to let others know about God working in our lives. He wants the glory, and we should give it to Him every chance that we get. We never know how someone else will be impacted through a testimony we share with them.
Let's use Sarah's situation and Abimelech's resolution as an example of how God sees and corrects offenses that are committed against us. We don't have to worry about trying to fix things ourselves when we have such an awesome, heavenly Father on our side.
About the Author
Ozeme J. Bonnette is a financial coach, speaker, and the author of Get What Belongs to You: A Christian Guide to Managing Your Finances. After working at Merrill Lynch, she chose to focus on increasing financial literacy. She teaches Biblical Economics and speaks to groups and organizations throughout the U.S. She earned 3 Bachelor's degrees at Fresno State and an MBA at UCLA's Anderson School. Find her at http://www.thechristianmoneycoach.com .
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