Genesis 18:15

New Living Translation

Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh.”

But the Lord said, “No, you did laugh.”

For Meditation

Here is a dialogue that defies wisdom — that anyone would lie in a direct encounter with God, yet that is what we do all the time.

Abraham had received the three visitors and served them well. Somehow, the Patriarch of Faith sensed the divine visitation and made the best of the opportunity. God gave him the ultimate affirmation of the birth of the promised son. This promise was not just about the birth of a child, but about fulfilling His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 18:1-15).

“I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!“

For Abraham to hear this from the Lord was music that never sounded better.

The waiting had been long and torturous for the old couple. Abraham and Sarah had even tried to understand the promise in the carnal way. They involved an innocent woman in their conspiracy to help God fulfill the promise (16:1-4; 15).

Now, the couple had exhausted their fruitful years without the promised son, and desire had long faded. Yet, Abraham kept a glimmer of hope in believing in the promise. But, for Sarah, it was over (18:10). The game ended long ago, and the stadium was empty. Her heart was a mix of disbelief and disappointment, without hope.

What she heard amused her, so she laughed. How could a worn-out woman in her top eighties and a husband who could no longer function have the pleasure of their baby? Sarah’s laughter was a mixture of disbelief, irony, and a touch of bitterness. But God understood her heart and responded with a question in His infinite wisdom and love. God has a sense of humor. He directed His question to Abraham, knowing Sarah was listening from the tent.

“Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (13).

Dear reader, you may be a Sarah as you read this message. You are desperately waiting for a marriage, child, job, business, or financial breakthrough, the healing of a debilitating sickness, the deliverance of a recalcitrant child, or something else. The Lord gets it. Just remember that He is faithful to the core.

Do not work yourself to the point of cynicism and unbelief. Embrace His promises in fresh ways through His word, prayer, or a dear believer’s comforting arms. Hold your faith, keep your hope alive, and trust God’s timing and plan. He is always with you, even in the darkest of times.

And never deny your thoughts before Him. He is the All-Knowing God before whom your heart and mind stand exposed. Instead, let Him know how you feel and ask Him to sustain your faith and help your unbelief. His guidance and support are always there for you, even in the darkest of times.

Is anything too hard for the Lord?

It will be well.