By Billy Holland

Living on Purpose

The Biblical account of Abraham and Sarah having a baby has been cherished throughout the ages and is familiar with those who probably first heard it as a child in Sunday school. The concept of a man and woman having a child together does not sound overly unusual until we consider that Abraham was 100-years-old and Sarah was 90. We find the story in Genesis chapters 17 and 18 and it reveals how God planned to establish a covenant with Israel through this child named Issac.

According to the holy scriptures, The Lord and two angels appear one day to Abraham and explains His plans about this covenant and how Abraham’s future child will be the beginning of a great nation. Sarah happens to overhear this conversation about her having a baby and snickers within herself at how ridiculous this sounds. It’s not known for sure, but Sarah probably does not realize this is God who is talking. She had been barren her entire life and this prediction about becoming pregnant at 90-years-old was clearly impossible. Or, was it?

In verse 13 of chapter 18, we notice the Lord told Abraham that Sarah had doubted in her heart and actually laughed at the idea of me saying that she would have a child. By the way, how ironic that the word Issac means, “laughter.” I’m not critical of Sarah or her husband because we would have probably reacted the same way.

Then we see God asking an astounding question, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” As this couple was left standing there scratching their heads, I cannot help but examine my level of faith. How would you answer this question? I will gladly be the spoiler and announce that God’s promise to Sarah about her having a son named Issac did come true and as the Patriarch of the Jewish nation, he was the father of Jacob and the grandfather of the 12 tribes of Israel. The dialogue is truly fascinating and I encourage you to read the entire story when you have a chance.

As we continue meditating about the authority and ability of God, we are presented with some very serious thoughts about our spiritual views. Do we believe that God can do anything? Do we believe He desires to help us and to give us the miracles we desperately need? Speaking of believing, we understand that faith is a component of receiving, but can faith developed to a level where we accept and embrace the fact that nothing is impossible with God? Is there something going on in your life today that seems hopeless? Many individuals today are facing very challenging situations and some are reaching deep within their heart and soul to find the strength to believe.

Well, this is a lot to consider, but personally, I’m convinced that God created everything in the universe and certainly would have no problem creating anything we might need. You see, the God of the Bible has several attributes associated with His character such as Omniscient which means He knows everything and Omnipotent meaning He has unlimited power and is able to do anything.

These two distinctions alone should encourage and reinforce our confidence as we turn to Him in prayer. When we read true accounts like Abraham and Sarah and realize that He is willing and able to do great and mighty miracles for others, it fills us with His joy and peace in knowing that He can also help us. Jeremiah 32:17 declares, “Ah, Lord God, behold thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too difficult for thee.”

When fear and doubt come upon us, remember that God specializes in doing the impossible. Everything from health or financial problems, to restoring relationships or finding our destiny, the Lord is perfectly aware of our worries and has more than enough wisdom and power to take care of it. Believe me, I understand about the intimidating giants and mountains, but I’m learning the importance of absorbing faith and hope from His unfailing truth.

Yes, there are certain things we can do to help ourselves, but there is no substitute for trusting God. He sees our life filled with unlimited possibilities and we can too! “But Jesus looked at them and said, with man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible” Matthew 19:26.

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