Sarah’s Promise and God’s Power

Read Genesis 18:9-19

Devotional by Michelle MacPherson

God has made his covenant and promises to Abraham, and we see that they must soon come to fruition in the provision of an heir from Abraham and Sarah. God again sends his angels to confirm the promise, and this time it is not for the sake of Abraham, but for Sarah. Sarah was to hear this promise directly from God. The promise that a 90 year old woman would conceive (after menopause), and give birth to a healthy child is literally impossible biologically and physically. And not only does God confirm the promise, but he gives a time frame by which it will happen - he appointed this to happen beforehand, at just the right time to show his power and glory in human weakness.

So we see why Sarah laughed (as did Abraham). She doubted that such an impossible promise would come to pass. And when she was caught out in her doubt, she lied because she was afraid - afraid because God was a God of seeing (Gen 16:13). Yet God was still faithful to his promise despite her doubt. For we see Sarah is mentioned as one of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on (Heb 12:1). Even in her doubts she still trusted in the faithfulness of him who promised (Heb 11:11). The irony of Isaac’s name meaning “he laughs”, being appointed beforehand points to the tender mercy and grace of God, not just in fulfilling his promises, but also in reminding his chosen people of his unwavering faithfulness despite their mistrust in him.

Is anything too hard or impossible for God? Whether it be making a barren womb conceive, using evil people for God’s glory, or raising our Saviour from the dead (Jer 32:27, Mark 10:27, Acts 2:24). Christians are not people who never doubt, rather they are those who, like the man with a demon possessed son, came to Jesus and cried “I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:45)

Prayer:

Lord, you have made great and wonderful promises for me, I see the foremost of these in the work of Jesus on the cross. You know my heart, and see when I laugh and doubt the impossibility of your promises. I believe, but help my unbelief! Help me to look to Jesus my Saviour as proof of your steadfast love. Amen.