Abimelech got up early the next morning and quickly called all his servants together. When he told them what had happened, his men were terrified. Then Abimelech called for Abraham. “What have you done to us?” he demanded. “What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done! Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?”

Genesis 20:8-10

The LORD kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised.
Genesis 21:1

• Abraham is not the hero of this story. 
• Once again we see him take two steps back. 
• Abraham is defining his relationship with God, and his covenant with God, by his circumstances. 
• Even an outsider, a Canaanite, sees the problem. 
• The name ABIMELECH is derived from two Hebrew words: אב (ab), meaning "father," and מלך (melek), meaning "king." Abimelech means "my father is king."
• Abimelech takes Sarah into his household. 
• God enters into the situation to protect Sarah. 
• God informs Abimelech of the truth. 
• Abimelech confronts Abraham. 
• Abraham takes another step back. 
• Abraham makes excuses. 
• Abimelech responds honorably. 
• Abilmelech maximizes Sarah’s welfare. 
• Abimelech restores her honor. 
• God is present and active in the situation. 
• God is present and active through an outsider. 
• God is present and active in the rebuke of another. 
• God is present and active today. 
• The ability to accept correction is a mark of spiritual maturity. 

Think before you act. Don’t define God by your circumstances. Let God tell you Who He is in the Word.