I remember being a kid and people making promises to me of things we were going to do or treats we were planning to have. Most of the time these promises held true. But I remember being amazed or thinking, “Surely this is too good to be true!” Sometimes these promised plans were contingent on me holding up my end of a bargain or deal I had made. If I acted in obedience and was faithful to do as I’d said, my dad would be sure that the plans moved along. Of course, I was always quick to follow through because I knew it would be worth it and trusted that his promises would hold true. Abraham and Sarah were in a situation of amazement and disbelief in God’s promise within this passage. They’d already been given the promise of many descendants, got antsy, tried to make it happen outside of God’s plan, had their plan backfire, and had waited another 13 years. They just didn’t understand how this promise could come true. It seemed too good to be true.
When God reiterated His promise to Abraham and assured him that Sarah would bear a son, Abraham responded in disbelief and pleaded for Ishmael to be blessed. It seemed too good to be true that in their old age, they’d be given a son. God patiently responds and explains more of the promise to Abraham who then acts in faithful obedience. As Sarah is in the tent later on, she overhears the Lord telling Abraham that in a year’s time she will have a son. She too reacts in disbelief and laughs at the thought that something so humanly impossible would actually occur. When the Lord heard this, He gives this powerful reply, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Yes, the fulfillment of this promise seemed impossible and would be indeed if left up to human devices, but nothing is impossible for our God. His plan was not broken by Abram and Sarai’s choices to find another way, it was not broken by Abraham’s disbelief, and it was not broken by Sarah’s scoffing laughter. God had a plan that was playing out in His time, the appointed time. God is sovereign and all powerful as we are again reminded in Jeremiah 32:17, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
Wherever you are in your walk today, take comfort knowing that God’s plan is best. God is all powerful and all knowing. In our world of uncertainty, find peace in the knowledge that God is faithful. Continue to live in faithful obedience to our Creator and King, knowing that He is in control and His will will be accomplished.
VC Devotionals 