It was interesting how today’s reading plays out. I’ll not focus on it for long, but it struck me how there were 3 strangers who happened along, and then it was God saying the same thing about the baby in a year. God in three persons perhaps? But the message (or prophecy) is clear – Abraham and Sarah are going to be parents. Having gotten used to being a couple without kids, and being up in years, the thought is a bit comical.
Sarah did laugh, and she had reason to, didn’t she? They have been hearing the same story for decades and yet no child. But these words really struck a chord with me, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? ” Think about that one and let the truth sink in.
Nothing is impossible with God. Even Luke 1:37 confirms it. God is all knowing, all powerful, all loving. He is the creator of all things. Why would we ever try to limit God or what he can accomplish? But we do. Regularly. Why? Because we cannot begin to comprehend God’s power. It’s not our fault – it is beyond human understanding. That’s where our faith comes in.
Our faith should be fueled by the magnificence of God. Just as we can’t truly understand the miracles of life, science has a made great strides in their attempt to understand the human body and how we tick. More and more research is done to uncover the complexities that only a very wise God could have put together. Even down to the cellular level, it is mind-boggling. So how could we ever limit God’s ability to make something happen?
Sarah wasn’t seeing the big picture. She didn’t know what we know today. She didn’t know how her story would set the stage for generations to come. She didn’t know how many people would look to her and resonate with her frustrations, her devotion to her husband, her intention when she tried to fix a situation on her own, or her desire for a child. God saw it all.
What spoke to you in today’s reading as we’ve been walking through Genesis? Are you ready for Isaac to finally arrive? Are you, like Sarah, feeling worn out and useless? Are you afraid God won’t want to use you anymore? God’s plan for us continues to unfold each day. I firmly believe that so long as he allows us to be here on this planet, we have a job to do. It’s simple – his commandment has always been to LOVE him and LOVE others. By our life and example, we want to be the sermon that brings others back into a relationship with God. That’s our mission, whether we’re old, young or somewhere in between.
Ask God for your mission assignment today.
Let’s pray. Lord, I do ask you for your assignment today. Bring the people to me who need a blessing from you. Use me to bless, to help, and to love them. Help me to know with clarity the words and message you have for me to share. I trust you are working in all situations, and I thank you for your provision. You are a mighty King, and I am honored beyond measure to be your daughter. May I never limit you or your greatness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
