In the beginning of Parashat Lech Lecha, Hashem tells Avraham Avinu to believe in him and leave behind his family and home for an unknown land. Immediately, Avraham Avinu follows Hashem and leaves for the unknown land, Israel. However, upon his arrival, famine strikes the land and he goes to Egypt to get food, supplies, and a respite from the famine. Nonetheless, when he gets to Egypt, Avraham Avinu asks Sarah Imeinu to lie to the Egyptians and tell them that she and Avraham Avinu were siblings: “Imri Na Achoti At LeMaan Yitav Li Baavureich VeChayetah Nafshi Biglaleich,” “Please tell them that you are my sister, so that it will be better for and I will live because of you” (BeReishit 12:13). Upon analysis, the question arises: why does Avraham Avinu not trust Hashem and tell the Egyptians that Sarah and he are married? Why does Avraham feel compelled to lie for his protection when the greatest protector is on his side?
Rashi explains that Avraham Avinu did this to receive gifts from Paroh when Paroh takes Sarah Imeinu (ibid s.v. LeMaan Yitav Li Baavureich). Additionally, the Chizkuni writes that the reason Avraham asked Sarah to say that they were siblings was because otherwise, Paroh would kill Avraham Avinu and take Sarah Imeinu as his wife.
However, both of these arguments are somewhat troubling. According to Rashi, Avraham Avinu appears selfish, while according to Chezkuni, Avraham Avinu still seems to lack faith that Hashem will protect him. Therefore, I suggest that the reason that Avraham Avinu believed, listened, and followed Hashem in the first place was because it was easy to believe when the only conflicting responsibility was to his family who had tried to kill him and had killed his brother (see Rashi BeResishit 11:28 s.v. Al Penei Terach Aviv), but in the moment, faced with imminent danger and possible death, Avraham Avinu momentarily froze and he thought that he could not risk his life. However, this was only in the beginning of his belief in Hashem and, over time, Avraham Avinu’s belief clearly increases to the point that he does not freeze when faced with a similar risk. When it came to his final test, Akeidat Yitzchak, he did not freeze; in fact, he rose to the occasion, and the imminent danger did not deter him, due to his complete, unwavering belief in Hashem and the closeness he had to Hashem.
We can learn from this, that even if we waver slightly in our belief in Hashem, we can and must continue to improve so that when next faced with a similar risk, we will follow Hashem to the fullest extent. Additionally, a mistake in our past should not dictate our future and if the opportunity to fix a mistake comes again and we correct our mistakes, we can become even greater than if we had acted properly the first time.