Today’s Bible study lesson will focus on the remarkable story of faith and promise in the Book of Genesis, chapter 18, where Sarah and Abraham were visited by three men who promised them a miracle – the birth of a son, despite their age.
And yes, it would take a miracle which is why Sarah laughed at the thought. But is anything too difficult for God? Let’s find out.
God Promises a Son to Abraham and Sarah
And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.)
Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid.
And He said, “No, but you did laugh!” – Genesis 18:1-15 NASB
Too Big for God? The Impossible Becomes Possible
Verse 14 asks, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”
The answer is simple. Nothing is too difficult for God. He created all things and knows our every problem and thought. For example, God was able to part the Red Sea so that the Israelites could escape from Pharaoh’s army.
One of the most difficult tasks in our walk with God is to hand things over to Him. As humans, we look at our problems and challenges from our own perspective and ability. However, God sees the situation differently and has the power and authority to bring a resolution.
Just because we don’t have the answer, we assume God doesn’t either. Trusting God with our difficulties is an important step in our faith journey, and trusting Him to bring a resolution is the final and most important step of all.
Ask these 3 Questions
The next time we have a problem too big for us to handle let’s try to insert our situation into the statement; “Is this too hard for God?”
- Is my work situation too hard for God?
- Are my relationship struggles with my spouse or children too difficult for God?
- Is breaking this bad habit too much for God to handle?
In His Way
God knows our every need and can handle any situation we can fathom.
He will not always handle it in exactly the way we want but He solves the problems in ways that are in our best interest and in His will for our lives. For example, He may answer our prayers with a delay, but He will answer them in His own time, not ours.
You see, God looks at our lives and struggles from the top of the mountain – we view them from the valley. God’s view is much broader than ours, and He sees the bigger picture. He knows what is best for us, and He will make the necessary adjustments in our lives in order to ensure our long-term success.
Once we give it to God, He can do remarkable things through and with us. Does this mean we should pray for fame or fortune? Not at all. Rather, we should pray for the courage to trust God’s plan, and for the courage to accept His will for our lives.
Prayer
God can handle it if we ask. He knows what we need and sometimes has to get our attention to return to Him.
The Farmer and the Mule
This reminds me of the tale about the farmer who always told the townspeople how good he was to his mule.
But one day a man traveled past the farmer’s field and saw the old farmer hitting his mule on the head with a big board.
When the man stopped and reminded the farmer of how he always brragged about being kind to his mule, the farmer answered in a calm voice;
“I am always good to my mule but sometimes it is necessary to get the mule’s attention.“
Does God Need Our Attention?
Yes, sometimes it is necessary for God to get our attention as well so He allows a wrinkle in our lives now and then.
Remember this the next time a problem arises and ask yourself, “Is this too hard for God?”
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read the John 3:16 verse for more information.