God promises

by Rachel Spier Weaver, HOPE recruiter & co-author of the Called & Courageous Girls series

One of my favorite women in Scripture is found in Genesis 18. Sarah, by today’s standards, would be considered a risk-taker: She traveled hundreds of miles, to 17 different locations, settling among unfamiliar cultures. She lived during a time when, in order to receive honor, women were expected to have children. But Sarah had no children. Despite finding success in other areas of life, Sarah may have felt that part of her purpose was unfulfilled. 

When Sarah was 90 years old, clearly past childbearing age, she overheard three holy visitors say she would have a child within the year. Genesis 18:12 says, “So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’” She laughed. Any of us would probably have had the same reaction as we mentally clicked through the rational impossibilities. 

How many times have we scoffed at the promises of God, resting in our own logic? Each day we are reminded of brokenness: tyrannous, oppressive governments; power abused; the anguish of mental and physical illness. Sometimes brokenness feels distant; other times it creeps into our families, our own selves. Our responsibilities to remain steadfast and persist in good work (Galatians 6:9) exist in tandem with the realities that God Himself is at work and His promises remain true. 

Recalling stories like Sarah’s, I regularly find myself saying, “And yet.” She was 90 years old, and yet Sarah had a son. The world is broken, and yet, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). We witness oppression all around, and yet, “He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight” (Psalm 72:14).

Praise God, for His promises are true!

God, we praise You that in every circumstance and season, Your promises are true. Help us to remember and cling to Your promises when we are overwhelmed by the weight of brokenness. Our faithful God, we put our trust in You.