Devotion: FL-AWE-D-Sarah laughs
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure.”
Then the Lord said to Abraham, “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.”
Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”
But he said, “Yes you did.” Genesis 18:10b-15
“We have guests!” proclaims Abraham to his servants and to Sarah. He meets their visit with great zeal inviting them to enjoy his finest hospitality. Abraham summons Sarah to make the bread and his servants to procure a choice tender calf to be prepared.
Would we be so quick to respond if God were to visit us? Abraham says, “Please do not pass your servant by.” God wants to visit those who sincerely seek and desire Him. Do we long for God’s appearing in our lives? He is not like the interfering in-laws barging into our lives uninvited. He waits patiently for us to invite him in.
While Abraham is entertaining the guests, Sarah remains in the background as is expected of women in those times. But she did listen in. God promises that Sarah will have a child. Sarah quietly laughs to herself as she is 90 years old and far past her childbearing days. After experiencing many years of hopelessness and disappointment, and now – she was to have a baby? Impossible!
Abraham is confronted by the Lord about Sarah’s laugh and asks “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” He reaffirms his promise to Abraham and Sarah of a son. This physical impossibility would take place.
Several years ago one of my relatives sustained a head injury falling from a grain truck which resulted in a debilitating stroke. For months he was hospitalized and in rehab. The days were long and progress was painstakingly slow. Eventually he was able to sit up, walk, and begin to speak again. The most difficult challenge became his inability to swallow. He was not able to eat or drink. Socializing with others or sharing a meal with his wife was frustrating.
The doctors gave him little hope and our faith began to waiver. We prayed and we prayed. “Remember Abraham and Sarah.” Those were my parting words to him each time I visited. One day after nearly two years passed, his wife called. We had received our miracle. He could swallow! God had been faithful and had heard our prayers. Nothing is impossible for the Lord. Let us never underestimate God’s ability to work through us. God was faithful to Abraham and Sarah and he will be faithful to us.