Genesis 18-19 | The Inexhaustible Ability of God
"I 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)
It was impossible. God was telling Abraham, aged 99, that his 90-year-old wife would bear a child. When Sarah laughed at this proposal, the Lord asked them this foundational question.
EXTRAORDINARY
The word "difficult" literally means, "wonderful, extraordinary." Is there anything beyond the ordinary, the natural, the normal that is beyond God's reach and ability?
It's the heart of it, isn't it? Whether or not we believe that there are no impossibilities with God? Whether we are going to live in only the realm of the rational and natural, or will we believe that God exists and loves to do that which is beyond normality? That which is impossible to man in his humanity, but completely doable to God?
Do we believe that ...
- God can save anyone?
- Can perform any miracle?
- Can bring prodigal home, although they're showing no signs of turning?
- Can transform a marriage?
- Can provide everything we need in precisely the right way and right time?
- Can change people?
- Can change YOU?
AN IMPORTANT THEME
This is an important theme with God, for He returns to this thought over and over again with man. Notice just a few …
‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You (Jeremiah 32:17)
And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37, to Mary)
Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. (Romans 4:20-21, speaking of Abraham)
God knows we need this reminder, for He is wanting to the impossible, the wonderful in our lives. But, we must believe, for faith is the activator of God’s miracles. Our unbelief does not limit God’s ability, but it does restrict His working through our lives, for there are some things God will do now only in response to our faith and prayers. “You have not because you ask not,” James said (James 4:2).
GREATER GLORY
God specializes in tackling the most challenging situations. In so doing, He sets Himself up to receive greater glory.
Our faith should not be preposterous or presumptuous. But when we believe we have genuinely received a promise from God about something impossible, we must believe. And we must pray in faith and patience for its result for the greater glory of God.
Omnipotent God, where am I limiting you by my lack of faith? Give me grace to believe that nothing is too difficult for You? Lord, what big things do you want me to believe you for today, this year? Father, accomplish great things so you will be seen by us as the great God you are!