How can we strengthen our faith when facing seemingly impossible situations? The Moment Sarah Laughed (Genesis 18:12) “So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I am worn out and my lord is old, shall I now have this pleasure?’” Why Her Reaction Matters to Us • Sarah’s body was past child-bearing age; reason said “impossible.” • God had already promised a son (Genesis 17:19). • Her silent laugh exposed the tug-of-war between facts we see and promises we hear. God’s Immediate Answer “Then the LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh? … Is anything too difficult for the LORD?’” (Genesis 18:13-14) • God does not ignore doubt; He confronts it with His own character. • The question “Is anything too difficult?” redirects focus from human limits to divine ability. When You Face the “Impossible” 1. Identify the circumstance that looks hopeless. 2. Locate God’s specific promise about it. 3. Ask: “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” Anchoring Faith in God’s Track Record • Jeremiah 32:17 – He created the heavens and earth; your situation is smaller. • Luke 1:37 – “For nothing will be impossible with God.” • Romans 4:19-21 – Abraham “did not waver through unbelief.” Practical Steps to Strengthen Faith • Rehearse testimonies – Psalm 77:11: “I will remember the deeds of the LORD.” • Speak Scripture aloud – Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing.” • Replace “if” with “when” – Mark 11:24: believe you have received. • Act in obedience to what you know now – James 2:22: faith is made complete by actions. • Surround yourself with believers who talk faith, not fear – Hebrews 10:24-25: stir one another toward love and good deeds. Waiting Without Withering • Hebrews 6:12 – imitate those who inherit promises through faith and patience. • Galatians 6:9 – don’t grow weary; harvest is scheduled. • Use delay as training time: worship, serve, prepare. Guarding Your Words • Proverbs 18:21 – life and death in the tongue. • 2 Corinthians 4:13 – “I believed; therefore I spoke.” – Speak agreement with God’s promise, not the impossibility. Celebrate Small Signs • Zechariah 4:10 – “Who despises the day of small things?” – Isaac began as a promise, became a pregnancy, then a nation. • Keep a journal of incremental answers; they are faith-fuel. Encouragement from Sarah’s Legacy • Hebrews 11:11 – “By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive…” • Her laugh of doubt turned into laughter of fulfillment (Genesis 21:6). – What begins in skepticism can end in celebration when God intervenes. Key Takeaways • Impossible is a human category; God reserves the final word. • Faith strengthens by remembering, rehearsing, speaking, acting, and waiting. • The question that silenced Sarah’s doubt still stands: “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” |
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