Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a hundred-year-old man? Can Sarah, a ninety-year-old woman, give birth?” (Genesis 17:17)
What is your reaction when God promises and delivers a miracle that takes place after years of silence, futility and frustration? Maybe it’s a loved one coming to faith in Christ after 30 years of being adamantly against the presence of God. Maybe it’s a grown-up child that repents of disobeying God and his parents for so many years, and decides to make things right with God by bringing his family to church and starting to live a life that honors God.
In Genesis 17, we see God establishing His covenant with Abraham by promising that he will be the father of many nations. As God explained to Abraham about the mark of circumcision on all males being proof of the covenant God was making with Abraham, I wonder if Abraham was wondering to himself, how would God accomplish all of this because Sarai was barren. Then God revealed that just as He changed Abram’s name to Abraham, he would change Sarai’s name to Sarah and He would use her to produce many nations.
When we see God at work in and through our lives, we need to have a similar response like Abraham had to God. With a revering attitude he fell facedown in awe of God’s promise and the symbolism of laughter showed Abraham’s joy in hearing the great news that God would use his current wife, the same one who was barren for so long, to accomplish God’s promise. Imagine the emotions that Abraham was going through. From hearing he would be the father of many nations and to God using Sarah (the most unlikeliest and impossible way) to do this. God can fulfill His promises in whatever way He chooses. If you are hoping for a miracle, keep praying and making your petitions known to God. Don’t give up. Don’t waver. Continue to trust God even in the silence and frustration. Then as we see God fulfill His promises in our lives today, let us be full of joy and praise Him and tell others about His goodness, grace and love!