Genesis 17:12-13 clearly illustrates how God feels about us, His people. The great news is that He wants us all for forever. But He is also asking us to take on some responsibility within the family unit with respect to our finances.

Everyone is included

In God’s instruction to Abraham, we see that God is an all-inclusive God. He said, “EVERY male.” God goes a bit further to point out that little things don’t matter. He doesn’t care where they were born. He doesn’t care where they are from. He doesn’t care if they are not biologically related. The instructions apply to everyone.

God expects the same of us with respect to financial stewardship. We are to be financially responsible. We are also, though, reminded to lead those who are watching us for guidance. Those born in our household are our children or our grandchildren. But, we are also leading people who are not our offspring. They may be employees or individuals we mentor. There are people who are seeking answers to their questions by watching us.

Training starts early

God doesn’t want to wait. As seen in these verses, He wants them at eight days old. While this may seem early, it makes sense.

Circumcision is a painful experience. By doing it early, the baby will experience the pain, but the chances of remembering it are very slim. Since the baby is young, the parents are there to ensure that the procedure is done right. They are there to be a comfort and a support for that baby.

With our finances, God also wants us to have our children start early. Instant gratification and impulse purchases can be painful experiences. If we train up our children from early on, they will have a different mindset about the use of their money. If we start with them when they are young, we can monitor their development for years and years before they leave home. We can make sure that they learn true financial stewardship. We can comfort and support them through the learning process.

Covenant in your flesh

God described our covenant with Him as being in our flesh. That means that He wants there to be a visible sign of His covenant with us. When a couple gets married, their rings are one sign of their union. But, their actions and interactions with each other show the world that they are together.

We can show the world that we belong to God and that we are not controlled by money. People are always watching us. We have to allow them to see that we don’t buy what we can’t afford. We have to show them that we trust God when the money runs out. They have to see that we seek God’s assistance with our financial matters.

It’s an everlasting covenant

The word everlasting sticks out to me in this verse. Usually, when we see the word, we think of now and moving forward to future generations. However, God allowed me to see that everlasting also goes the other way.

His covenant with us started a long time ago, and it is still in force. There are no deadlines or timeframes with God’s instructions. They applied thousands of years ago just the same as they apply today. They will still apply after God calls us home.

The financial issues we face are not new. They are just new to us. But we come in contact with so many people, whether at home, work, or anywhere else. They are looking to us for answers. We may be the only sign of God that someone experiences in their life. What kind of impression do we want to leave with them?

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.