The Appointed Time
And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh!” (Genesis 18:13-15) Has anyone ever spoken encouraging words to you that were more than you could believe at the moment? Has anyone ever called you "perfect in Christ," when you were feeling anything but "perfect?" Has anyone ever told you they appreciated your efforts when you thought no one noticed? Has anyone ever seen more goodness in you than you saw in yourself? That is where Abraham and Sarah found themselves, and when the Lord spoke of them as parents, they were afraid to believe; they could only offer nervous laughter. The Lord was increasing their faith, just as He is increasing yours! God knows we hav...