Exchanging Difficulties for Impossibilities sounds on the surface like a bad swap or, at a minimum, moving in the wrong direction. But when LORD inserts Himself into the equation amazing (supernatural) things happen.
Negative numbers become positive, fractions become whole numbers, and division becomes multiplication.
There are so many great, encouraging examples in Scripture, it was difficult to choose which ones to share in these brief devotions. I chose four that were great encouragement to me, hoping they will encourage your hearts and breathe fresh wind in your sails. Since each promise/miracle is unique in its own right and application, I decided to create four devotions to honor God as much as possible.
The first miraculous conception. A little background review might help. When Abram was 75 years old, God promised him a son (Genesis 12), and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. More than a decade passed and still no heir. His wife (Sarai) intervened, due to God’s apparent slowness, and insisted Abram sleep with one of her maids. That resulted in a son, Ishmael, a rightful heir in those days when a natural son could not be had. But oh how that choice created generational issues for Abraham’s descendants – a consequence of not trusting God and running ahead of Him.
Fast forward twenty-four years, God confirmed His covenant promise of a son (Genesis 17). Abraham (name changed by God) fell on his face and laughed. He would be 100 and Sarah 90 if that really happened. Sarah also laughed when she heard. Of course, humanly speaking,
that was not difficult…it was impossible.
God’s response reads as if He was insulted and in disbelief at their unbelief.
“Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.“ (Genesis 18: 14 NASB)
We know the end of the story (or perhaps, better said, the new beginning of the story of the nation God is birthing.) Isaac was born to a 100 year-old man and 90 year-old woman, just as God promised 25 years before.
My dear friends, if you are a biblical, believing Christian, struggling to believe God for something you know in your heart He promised, the best advice I can offer you is to watch and pray. (I am sure we all wish we had taken that advice at times.) God is faithful, and in Him His promises are Yes and Amen. (2 Corinthians 1: 20)
To my friends who may be reading this who have heretofore not believed God loves you, nor received His Promise of salvation in Jesus Christ, consider His patience, love, and faithfulness over twenty-five years to a man and woman whose faith wavered just as our does. God is patiently waiting for you as well. Will you believe today and receive the Gift (Jesus) He freely offers to all who confess their sins and come seeking His forgiveness and help? I pray you will.
