WHEN FAMINE TESTS YOUR FAITH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 12:10-20
Key Verse:
“And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.” (Genesis 12:10)
Supporting Texts: James 1:2-4; Psalm 66:10; Hebrews 11:17; Proverbs 3:5-6
INTRODUCTION
It is striking that immediately after Abram obeyed God and entered the promised land, famine struck. This teaches us a powerful lesson: obedience does not exempt us from tests. Sometimes, the greatest trials come right after divine instruction.
Famine represents scarcity, pressure, and uncertainty. It can be financial, spiritual, emotional, or relational. In famine seasons, what we truly believe about God is exposed. Faith is not proven in abundance but in adversity.
Abram’s response to famine offers both warning and wisdom. His temporary missteps and God’s faithfulness demonstrate that even when faith wavers, covenant mercy can restore and sustain destiny.
1. TESTS OF FAMINE FOLLOW PROMISES
God allows testing seasons after promises to strengthen and refine faith.
a) Obedience Does Not Cancel Testing (Genesis 12:10)
Abram had obeyed, yet famine still came.
b) Trials Produce Maturity (James 1:2-4)
Testing strengthens patience and spiritual depth.
c) Refinement Through Pressure (Psalm 66:10)
God refines His people as silver is refined.
d) Faith Must Be Proven Genuine (1 Peter 1:7)
Tested faith is more precious than gold.
Biblical Example:
After God promised Abraham a son, he was later tested by being asked to sacrifice Isaac, proving the authenticity of his faith (Genesis 22:1-2).
2. FAMINE CAN TEMPT YOU TO MOVE OUT OF ALIGNMENT
Pressure often tempts believers to act outside God’s direction.
a) Egypt Represents Human Solutions (Genesis 12:10)
Abram went down to Egypt, symbolising reliance on worldly alternatives.
b) Fear Influences Wrong Decisions (Genesis 12:11-12)
Abram feared for his life and devised a plan based on anxiety.
c) Compromise Weakens Testimony (Genesis 12:13)
Calling Sarah his sister exposed vulnerability and dishonesty.
d) Leaning on Understanding Causes Error (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trusting human logic over divine guidance leads to missteps.
Biblical Example:
Elimelech left Bethlehem during famine and went to Moab, a decision that led to loss and hardship (Ruth 1:1-3).
3. GOD REMAINS FAITHFUL EVEN WHEN FAITH FALTERS
Though Abram faltered, God preserved the covenant.
a) Divine Protection Overrides Human Weakness (Genesis 12:17)
The Lord plagued Pharaoh’s house to protect Sarah.
b) Covenant Is Based on God’s Faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13)
Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful.
c) God Preserves Destiny Despite Errors (Psalm 37:23-24)
Though a righteous man falls, he shall not be utterly cast down.
d) Mercy Restores Alignment (Lamentations 3:22-23)
God’s mercies are new every morning.
Biblical Example:
Peter denied Jesus under pressure, yet Christ restored him and reaffirmed his calling (John 21:15-17).
4. FAMINE SHOULD DRIVE YOU BACK TO THE ALTAR
The correct response to famine is not escape but deeper communion.
a) Return to the Place of Encounter (Genesis 13:3-4)
Abram later returned to the altar he had first built.
b) Repentance Restores Fellowship (Acts 3:19)
Turning back to God refreshes the soul.
c) Faith Grows Through Dependence (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
Even without visible fruit, trust in God remains.
d) Covenant Assurance Brings Stability (Isaiah 43:2)
God promises presence in every storm and scarcity.
Biblical Example:
After the prodigal son experienced famine and lack, he returned to his father and found restoration (Luke 15:14-20).
CONCLUSION
Famine seasons are not signs of divine abandonment; they are tests of faith. Abram’s journey shows that even faithful men can falter under pressure. Yet God’s covenant mercy preserved him and brought him back to alignment.
When famine tests your faith, do not run to Egypt. Run to the altar. Trust that the God who called you is able to sustain you, refine you, and restore you.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, strengthen my faith in every season of famine, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, keep me from making fear-based decisions under pressure, in Jesus name.
3. Father, refine my faith through every trial, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, deliver me from seeking worldly solutions outside Your will, in Jesus name.
5. Father, preserve my destiny even when I falter, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, restore me quickly whenever I stray from alignment, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let famine seasons deepen my dependence on You, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, grant me courage to stand firm during scarcity, in Jesus name.
9. Father, lead me back to the altar of fellowship, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, turn every famine in my life into a testimony of Your faithfulness, in Jesus name.
