Is anything too hard for the Lord? – July 18, 2022

Read: Genesis 18:1-14

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
Genesis 18:14

Is anything too hard for the Lord?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ever hear someone say, “Out of sight, out of mind?” It means that people quickly forget something or someone they have not seen for a long time.

For example, there may be a musical toy so noisy that a parent puts it away on a high shelf or in a closet. Sure enough, the toy gets forgotten. “Out of sight, out of mind.”

Before today’s Bible reading, the Lord promised Abraham that his family would become a great nation and that through his family the whole world would be blessed. Abraham and Sarah believed the Lord would keep his promise. A year passed. Then another one. And another. Twenty-four years passed. After so much time, God’s promise might have seemed, “Out of sight, out of mind.”

One day, three visitors came to Abraham and Sarah’s house. But they were no ordinary visitors. One of them was the Lord himself who came to hand deliver this special announcement, “This time next year, Sarah will have a son.” Sarah giggled when she heard the Lord say she would have a baby in about a year. She was well past the time of childbearing. Imagine, a grandma having a baby! The thought made Sarah laugh out loud.

“Why did Sarah laugh?” the Lord asked. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” What a great question! With that, God reminds us that he is so strong and powerful, he can do things that are not normal. That question reminded Sarah and Abraham that no matter how much time passes, the Lord always keeps his promises. Sure enough, against all human odds, Abraham and Sarah welcomed a little boy named Isaac. Sure enough, the whole world would be blessed because one of his distant descendants would be Jesus—the answer to God’s promise to save us all. It took a long, long time for God’s promise to come true. But truth is, God never forgets his promises.

Every time we go to church, the Lord serves us. He strengthens our faith. By skipping worship or leaving our Bibles on the shelf, we keep God’s reminders “Out of sight, out of mind.” But the Lord is faithful to his promises. He continues to serve us. Let us keep his Word and promises always in sight and on our minds!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord of strength and renewal, keep our eyes looking at your Word to keep it on our minds. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What was Sarah’s reaction when the visitor said she would have a baby?
• How often does God keep his promises?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• If you were Sarah, how might you have reacted to the message of a baby?
• “Out of sight, out of mind” is what we don’t want to do with God’s promises. Name two ways you can keep them from being forgotten.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identity what things or events take your eyes off the Lord.
• Name at least two things that you think are impossible. Then answer the question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” How does the answer strengthen your faith?