God’s Power in the Face of Doubt
Genesis 18:9–15 (NASB95)
9Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10He 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. 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. 12Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 13And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ 14“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.” 15Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.”
God visited Abraham’s tent with two others and asked about Sarah by name. One of the visitors, speaking as the Lord, promised that Sarah would have a son at the appointed time. The promise was clear and specific. Sarah listened from inside the tent. She was old. She had passed the age of childbearing. From a human view, her situation was hopeless. Sarah laughed to herself. Her laughter was not joy. It was disbelief. She could not imagine such a thing. She said, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
God knew Sarah’s thoughts, though she was hidden. He asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh?” God’s question exposed her doubt. He did not mention Abraham’s age again. The focus was on God’s promise. God then asked, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” The Hebrew word means “too wonderful” or “beyond human capability.” God’s power is not limited by human weakness. He repeated the promise. “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”
Sarah denied laughing. She was afraid. God replied, “No, but you did laugh.” God’s reply was firm but not harsh. He saw through her denial. He knew her heart. God’s knowledge is complete. Nothing is hidden from Him. The story plays on the word “laugh” to foreshadow the name Isaac, which means “Laughter.” God turns doubt into fulfillment. He brings life where there is none. He invites honest response, but He also calls for faith.
God’s promises often challenge our understanding. We may doubt when circumstances seem impossible. God sees our hearts. He knows our fears and questions. He does not reject us for our weakness. He calls us to trust Him. The church must remember that nothing is too hard for God. We should bring our doubts to Him honestly. God’s word stands firm, even when our faith wavers. Let us trust His power and faithfulness. He can do what we cannot imagine. His promises will not fail.