Scripture says three men came near the tent of Abraham. The patriarch ran to greet them and bring them in to have their feet washed, eat and rest. One of them was the Lord himself. He was accompanied by two angels. The visit with Abraham was a stop on their way to Sodom.
Abraham and Sarah were very old. Sarah was standing at the door of the tent, behind the three “strangers” eating with her husband. She heard the Lord tell Abraham. “About this time next year, I will return and you will have a son.” Sarah, knowing she and Abraham were far too old, laughed to herself.
The Lord said to Abraham, ” Why did Sarah laugh?”
Scripture says that Sarah laughed silently to herself. Yet, the Lord heard her. This scripture confirms to us that the Lord knows what is going on in our minds. We find throughout the gospels, scriptures, that say Jesus knew what people were thinking.
Haven’t we all laughed silently to ourselves, that there is no way God can help us out of this unbelievable situation? Increase our means for a home? Sell that home that has been on the market so long? Heal that injury or illness that weighs heavy on us? Bring peace to a chaotic workplace? Find that person we are meant to marry? Open the cell doors and release the prisoners? Heal our depression. Cover the scars left by unkind behavior? Dry the tears of grieving? We say silently to ourselves, “No way God, even You can’t help me. It is too impossible to believe, that even You, can make it happen.”
The word that came back to Sarah’s “silent” laughter? “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
Perhaps this morning, you are dealing with the impossible. A situation that you think will never change. Maybe you even laugh silently, as someone encourages you to pray and wait on the Lord. When called out on her thinking, Sarah lied, saying she did not laugh. But, our mighty God knew her thoughts and He knows ours.
Turn your situation over and trust that the God who set the moon in the heavens, hears you from your tent. He knows your thoughts, your unbelief, that things will ever change. He can be trusted with your fears and concerns. Even those you cannot speak out loud.
~Scriptures For Today~
Genesis 18:9-15
9 Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10 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. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 13 And 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.” 15 Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” (NASB)
Luke 5:22
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? (NIV)
Matthew 9:4
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?” (NIV)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! Help us grasp the truth, that nothing is too hard for You! We try far too often, to go it alone, as if we have no help. Reveal yourself at the door of our tent today. Bring peace. Nothing we are dealing with, is too hard for You. We pray for grace to believe that truth, be still and wait. Your word says You will never leave nor forsake those who call You Lord. I pray Your blessing over the eyes of the one reading this. Reveal Yourself to him or her today. Forgive us when we falter, when we sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.