Date: Tuesday, 13th October, 2026
Text: Genesis 20:1–18
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
Another thing that provokes self-inflicted storms is holding on to what God wants you to let go of. When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to release the children of Israel, contrary to God’s command, Egypt experienced devastating plagues, including a terrible hailstorm (Exodus 9:22–26). Sometimes, what we refuse to release in disobedience becomes the very reason we experience unnecessary battles. Whatever God has commanded you to release should not become what you desperately struggle to retain. As the Scripture declares, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).
Abimelech also experienced a household crisis when he unknowingly took Sarah, Abraham’s wife, into his household. God intervened by closing the wombs of the women in his household until the matter was resolved (Genesis 20:17–18). Although Abimelech acted in ignorance, God required him to return Sarah to her husband. The storm over his household subsided after he obeyed God’s instruction and Abraham prayed for him. This teaches us that unresolved matters can become obstacles to peace and progress. Some storms will not cease until we correct what is wrong and make the necessary restitution. The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Beloved, is there anything you are holding on to that God wants you to surrender? Is there an unresolved matter requiring restitution, an act of disobedience demanding repentance, or a relationship that must be put right? Do not allow pride, fear, greed, or stubbornness to prolong your storm.
When God reveals what needs to change, respond promptly in obedience. Remember, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). You cannot insist on retaining what God has asked you to release and expect everything around you to remain peaceful.
Key Nugget: Whatever God has commanded you to release should not become what you desperately struggle to retain.
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