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's 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!

The Lord knows we have doubts, and He knows our faith is sometimes small and undeveloped. Therefore, He speaks words to us that are fully dependent on Him and His power, and He gives us the opportunity to believe those words. Thankfully, He is patient, and He will not forsake us when our faith wavers. He is rightly called, the author and finisher of our faith, and He promises to complete what He started in us. We can rest assured that the Lord is good, He knows what He is after, and He keeps His promises. May our faith steadily increase, as God does everything He promised us — even the impossible things -- especially the impossible things.

Let’s Pray – Father, You are doing a perfect work in me, and I must learn to be still while You work. Thank you for challenging me and increasing my faith. Amen.