“Is anything too hard for the LORD?” Genesis 18:1
“It’s been too long.”
The nagging thought interrupted my worship. I had sent my 11-year-old son to take medicine for his headache, but he never came back. Wondering what distracted him this time, I started toward the restroom. My pace increased as worry kicked in. “He’s never swallowed a pill before” …
A strange sound met my knock on the locked door. With heart pounding, I cried, “Let me in!” One look at my firstborn confirmed my worst fear; he was choking! The terror in his eyes triggered panic overload and right there, in the middle of church, the death-scream of this desperate mother shot through the building.
Days like these are terrifying. As a mother of six (two in heaven), from their first heartbeat til my last, I’ll do everything in my power to protect them; most moms would. The problem is, life and death aren’t in our hands. The burden of safety and perfection rests on God’s broad shoulders. The good news is, it’s not too heavy for Him. God said so Himself in Genesis 18:14, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”
He said this to Abraham when Sarah laughed upon hearing she would bear a child. At 90? That dream was long gone! But a son was conceived, as foretold, and God’s promise was fulfilled through Isaac. Afterwards, she declared, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” (21:6) Sarah went from doubtful laughing to delightful laughing at the miraculous work of God.
The in-between is rarely easy though. Stress affects people differently. Some make rash decisions, like Sarah “helping” God (16:3-4). Some run away, like Hagar (16:6-8). Some freeze up and forget what they know, like me (who previously learned and successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver). Although none of these situations began well, in the end, all were able to see the goodness of the Lord.
Living in the middle, it’s comforting to know our mess-ups can’t mess up God. This assurance comes from knowing who He is and how much you are loved! Take a glimpse at God’s heart:
- God is good (Psalm 34:8)
- He cannot lie (Titus 1:2)
- His mercy is everlasting (Psalm 100:5)
- He fights for you (Exodus 14:14)
- He’s with you (Isaiah 43:2)
- He delivers and rescues (Daniel 6:27)
- He has fashioned your days (Psalm 139:16)
From conception to crisis, trust is vital. When worries become prayers, questions become confidence and tears become joy until, ultimately, we’re laughing with Sarah! As for my son, God spared him that day not for my pleasure but for His purpose – leading worship and ministering on the mission field – to the glory of the Father.
Friends, if you’re pressed between pain and promise, surround yourself with scriptures. Commit them to memory. Let the Spirit’s Sword banish drifting doubts and fly-by fears. Nothing is too hard for God!
SHINE, always
Cheryl