Sunday, January 9, 2011

too difficult for God?

I was reading in Genesis recently and was stopped by a question that was asked.

In Genesis 18, God is promising Abraham that he would have a son by his wife, Sarah, by this time next year. Abraham and Sarah were well past child-bearing age by this time, so it seemed like it would be impossible for it to happen. Sarah is listening to Abraham's conversation with God's messenger and laughs at the idea that it would even be possible for her to bear a child at her age. In Genesis 18:14, God's messenger then asks the question:
"Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" (NASB)

When I read that question, I stopped there for a while. It was a question that challenged me and that I have been thinking about since.

I know in my head that there is nothing that is too difficult for God to do. But, it does not easily become something that I believe in my heart, something that becomes a part of who I am. I do not want it to stay just something I acknowledge in my head. I want it to become something that I act on. But, that change does not always come easily.

When you hear things from God that seem impossible, difficult, or crazy, what is your usual response? Do you respond with laughter and disbelief as Sarah did? Or do you respond with faith? Do you hold back and stay where it is safe? Or do you step out trusting God, even in the midst of fear?

"Is anything too difficult for God?" (Genesis 18:14, NASB)

Sarah did go on to have a child, just as had been promised. I wonder if sometimes she looked back and wondered if that year between being told she would have a child and that child being born would have been different if she had believed God's messenger from the beginning. I know I can think of times in my life where, when I look back now, I wonder if it would have been different if I had believed God and trusted Him right from the beginning. But, I am also realizing that I cannot go back and change them; all I can do is learn from them for the next time. So that next time I believe God right from the start.

"Is anything too difficult for God?" (Genesis 18:14, NASB)

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