Pharaoh was dazzled by the possibility of having Princess Sarah as his wife. So he sought to please his “brother” with gifts of all kinds. I imagine that if this king understood God's plan for his life and accepted It, he would also give part of his possessions to please the Lord. Those who taste the water that Jesus gives will no longer be thirsty, but will feel like they are on their honeymoon with their new life in Christ (John 4:13,14).

Abraham continued to trust that the Egyptian monarch's plan would not prosper and that God's power would act in his favor. Both were in a hurry: Pharaoh, to have the most beautiful princess he had ever seen (and Sarah must have been close to 70 years old), and the patriarch of the Hebrews, to see God give that king his just rebuke. After all, the Most High would act before the wedding.

Jesus' statement that we would have tribulations in the world, even if we did not turn our backs on the Lord (John 16:33), is true. Now, wasn't it He who commanded Abraham to go there? Every servant of God must be in prayer; thus, the Father will always come to his aid in time of adversity. Abraham must have sought the Lord as never before, and the end proved favorable to him. God keeps His promises (Numbers 23:19).

When we are in communion with the Most High, He acts in surprising ways that bring us joy. Even those who wish us harm cease to do us harm in order to do us good, as the Scriptures point out: When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16.7). The saved must seek God's wisdom at all times; in this way, they will never be abandoned.

If, because of Sarah, who represents the Gospel, the Good News of what Christ did for us (Galatians 4:21-31), Pharaoh gave his “brother” valuable possessions, what would God not do for those who put their faith in Him? Now, God created man to live by His side, but man did not want to follow the Word and strayed from the Truth. The Most High sends an honorable invitation to those who experience how painful it is to live far from Jesus.

It is sad to see brothers and sisters settling for little, not wanting to be the people whom the Almighty promises to bless. We are the best of Christ on Earth and will be taken to Heaven to enjoy what He has prepared for those who convert and persevere to the end. It is good to fight with all our strength to never stray from God. Jesus gives us victory over evil!

Abraham fled from the severe famine that occurred in the world in his time, but with the Lord's help, he saw his fortune grow because he remained faithful to what pleased the Most High. Because of this and other attitudes, the patriarch knew how to be a friend of God. Jesus said: Vós sereis meus amigos, se fizerdes o que eu vos mando.  (John 15.14).

In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares

                                                     Prayer