Yahweh said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son (Gen. 18:13-14).
You have heard the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.” It’s human nature to gravitate towards skepticism when someone promises us some grandiose idea.
For example, a financial guru says, “If you follow this economic formula, you will make a million dollars.” Only to find out later on that the whole enterprise was a scam. Another comes to you and says, “This diet is proven to help you lose a bunch of weight.” Then, after a few weeks of following it’s strict guidelines–you notice nothing substantial has really changed.
The Story of Sarah In Genesis
When Sarah heard the extraordinary news that God promised she would bear a son in old age, she laughed. Her attitude was similar to all the other “too good to be true” statements she probably heard from others. However, Sarah found out quickly that God’s promises are not to be taken lightly. They are no joking matter.
God’s promises are true and always come to pass. He told Abraham he would bless his offspring and make them into a great nation. In Deuteronomy 31:6, he told the Israelites he would never leave them or forsake them, and this was true, even when they were complaining in the wilderness for 40 years–God remained faithful to them.
God Never Breaks His Promises
In the New Testament, God fulfilled his promise by sending the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, to die for the sins of the world (Isaiah 53). Furthermore, God’s Son brought the good news to the poor, restored the brokenhearted, proclaimed liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18), and sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17) to teach, convict, and help Christians spread the gospel to the entire world (Matt. 28:16-20).
Before I developed a relationship with God, I was a lost prodigal. My reputation in college was a jock who liked to party. So when I told my friends that I became a Christian, they actually laughed at me. They thought it was a joke and even betted how long it would take before I got drunk with them again.
The Promises Of God In My Life
To be quite honest, even I laughed at the notion that the Lord would use me to proclaim his gospel to the entire world. I had minimal religious background, never read the Bible, and didn’t have the reputation of being a morally upright individual.
I was still traumatized from a Bible Baseball Trivia game I played when I was a child–I was asked a simple question like, “Is the gospel of Mark in the Old or New Testament?” and didn’t even know. A couple of peers sneered and it made me feel upset and embarrassed.
Just like Sarah, I am guilty of laughing at the promises of God. It still seems too good to be true, but I know God is a truth-teller. Since then, I married a beautiful Christian, graduated from seminary with honors, pastored over 5 years, and have built this website to share Jesus to over 150 countries. I am so blessed that the Lord chose me out of darkness and brought me into His marvelous light.
The Hope Of Promise Fulfilled In Christ
No matter where you have been in life, God can use you mightily to advance his kingdom. Truth be told: The gospel is such good news that it’s sometimes hard to believe. It’s hard to believe that God, the righteous King, would send His Son to die for sinners like you and I.
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It may feel too good to be true, but it is true. For our God always fulfills His promises. He is an awesome God–our hope and rest can be found in Him forevermore. Amen.
Article written by Chad A. Damitz
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