Persistent Sin and Persevering Grace

All have heard someone say, "practice makes perfect."  Whether it is learning a sport or playing an instrument, we know that learning comes after many tries. This is also true of growing in faith. We see this in the life of the patriarch, Abraham. In chapter 20, he resorts to old habits of the sin of self-protection as he enters a new area under the rule of another king by having Sarah say she is his sister. It is hard to believe this given that God in chapter 18 told them next year they would have a child. Old habits do die hard. We see God not just confront his sin but provide grace to grow his trust in God as his Father.