warm-up

Would you rather change the past or know the future?

Share about something that you are believing for this year.

What is one new thing you would like to learn?

word

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

Though Abraham received a promise from a faithful God, he faced circumstances which made the fulfillment of that promise seem impossible. We are bound to face circumstances which may make our walk with God seem difficult. Instead of questioning God's plan and promises, we put our faith in what He says because He will surely fulfill it. Today, we will see how God demonstrated this faithfulness in Abraham and Sarah’s lives as He fulfilled His promise to them.

1
God understands our circumstances.

⁹They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” ¹⁰The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. GENESIS 18:9,10

God knew Abraham and Sarah’s need for an heir and desire for a child, and He addressed this with the promise of a son at a specific time. God knows us and understands our every circumstance, as well as our thoughts and emotions. He cares deeply for us and has a promise for us. He desires to show us that He is a faithful and merciful God. According to Psalm 34:15, how does God respond to our cries?

2
God wants us to have faith in Him.

¹¹Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. ¹²So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” ¹³The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’” GENESIS 18:11-13

Sarah laughed because she doubted the Lord’s promise of a son, knowing it to be physically impossible. But Abraham and Sarah conceived a son despite their old age, proving the power of God. God’s promises may seem impossible at first glance. Instead of doubting and questioning God, respond in faith and believe that He can do everything He says. How does Numbers 23:19 encourage us to be in faith that God will fulfill His promises?

3
With God, nothing is impossible.

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

God proved to Abraham and Sarah that He was able and willing to give them a son, even if the circumstance dictated otherwise. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Even in the most difficult circumstances, He will demonstrate His power and might in our lives by fulfilling His seemingly impossible promises. When something impossible happens, there is no denying that He is the One who moved. Why does God want us to experience how He makes the impossible possible?

application

What verse in the Bible can you hold on to as a reminder of God’s faithfulness when you face fear, doubt, and unbelief? Commit to memorize and declare the verse to yourself every day.

What promise from God are you holding on to today? What are two things you can do that will help you believe God for that promise?

How has God shown His faithfulness to you in the times you faced seemingly impossible circumstances? Share this testimony to a family member or friend who is facing difficulties as he or she is waiting on the fulfillment of God’s promise this week.

prayer

Thank God for revealing Himself to you as a faithful God who keeps His promises. Thank Him for the faith to keep on believing even in the midst of impossible circumstances.

Believe that God will replace any fear, doubt, and unbelief in your heart with faith. Pray that you will be surrounded with people who will help stir your heart to stay in faith.

Pray for your friends and loved ones who are facing impossible situations. Ask God for opportunities this week to share to them how God showed Himself faithful to you.

victory_logo_black
© 2018 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Permission to photocopy this material is granted for local church use. This is not for sale.
victory.org.ph