January 24, 2013
Central Truth
God can do anything. He can give us anything. If we trust in God, all things are possible.
He said, "I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. (Genesis 18:10)
1 And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks 1 18:1 Or terebinths of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, 2 18:3 Or My lord if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs 3 18:6 A seah was about 7 quarts or 7.3 liters of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard 4 18:14 Or wonderful for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, 5 18:15 Or acted falsely saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”
In my life I have gone from Catholic to atheist, and now to follower and lover of Christ. Christ has loved me. That's it. He does not waver in His love for us, and He loves us more than we could ever imagine. Listening to God or hearing God and trusting Him do not come easily to me. But Christ is all powerful and can do anything.
The first time I truly listened to God, He was telling me to uproot my new wife from England and move to America, even though she had only been in England for the six months since we got married. It caused us to spend a second month apart in our first year of marriage, but the amazing blessings in our life since that decision to listen to God are immense.
Just like Sarah and Abraham in this passage, Erin and I didn't think we could have children. Yet, now we are pregnant and about to begin the wonderful journey of parenting. He is our provision and knows what we need. Is anything too difficult for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14a)
God promises we will be persecuted for following Him in this world, but He promises us blessings in heaven: "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me." (John 15:19-21)
God made all of us in His perfect image, but we all make mistakes daily and find it hard to trust in Him. Yet, He loves us and wants a relationship with us. What an amazing blessing.
1. Why is it difficult to trust the Lord?
2. Who in Scripture had to trust the Lord? How did they show their trust?
3. What do you trust God with daily?
4. Why do you think the Lord doesn't always allow us everything we want?