Genesis 18:1-15
The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard `for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” Genesis 18:1-15 (NIV)
“Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” is the question that God asks of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah had waited for the promise of a child to come true and yet in her old age, it seemed all but impossible. And so she laughed.
Is there anything too hard for the Lord?
There are moments in history and most likely your own life where you have experienced or felt that there is truly something too hard for the Lord. An accident, a horrible moment that changes your life, or someone else. Death, pain, loss, and much more. And yet, God’s work in the world is not done without folks like us, people of faith all around the world, committing to be a part of God’s good work. And for me, this is often where I most see God’s goodness at work- in the work of others. In the brave, courageous, loving, faithful, servant-leadership work of others- In the work of our mission partners who seek to serve and help all those who are in need. In the loving care that volunteers bring to two weeks of Vacation Bible School at Southwood for 250 kids. In the moments of strength those who battle illness.
Is there anything too hard for the Lord?
Well, for Abraham and Sarah, their long life had been filled with hardship and was far from easy. And yet, in the most unexpected place and time, God shows up to proclaim new life.
So, is there anything too hard for the Lord?
Questions for Reflection:
- Is there anything too hard for the Lord?
- Where has God showed up in your life and in this world in an unexpected way?
Prayer:
God of Promise and new life,
We give thanks for the surprise of your presence where we least expect it. Continue to grant us faith and boldness to live in your way in this world.
Amen.
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