Inward Thoughts Are Exposed
Sarah has brought home to her that even her inward thoughts were known to the Lord. Perhaps even more amazing to Sarah because she was not among the group but was hidden behind the tent door (Genesis 18:10 ), she learned that the Lord sees and
knows the thoughts of the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord
does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NKJV)
It was probably this knowledge that brought her to the first step of faith that would enable the miracle to happen.
Hebrews 11:11 "By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged
Him faithful who had promised." (NKJV)
Faith Expected The Wonderful
Knowing God as all-powerful develops confidence in His faithfully doing the marvellous miracle that He has promised. Nothing is too hard for the Lord to do. The Hebrew word translated "hard" literally here is "wonderful" or "marvellous" - going beyond limited human
powers or expectations, to which faith alone is able to rise and grasp the astonishing reality of the miracle working of God - the unlimited one.
God Repeats The Wonderful
Sarah's miraculous conception in old age is repeated by the God of the impossible in the case of Elisabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
Luke 1:36,37 "And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called
barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible." (KJV)
Elisabeth's experience of the all-power of God is mentioned by the angel to Mary to inspire unshakeable confidence, and assure her that what was promised her, a miracle virgin birth of a son whom she would call Jesus (Luke 1:31 ) would be accomplished. In
both cases there was the working of the impossible by God. Elisabeth was too old to have children. Mary, it is thought, was a young teen, betrothed but not yet married, experienced conception without knowing a man (Luke 1:34-35 ). Unlike Elisabeth, her miracle
happened when it was thought she was too young. What a demonstration that the God of all-power is not limited by our restrictions. Mary celebrated the great attributes of God in her Magnificat:
Luke 1:49,50 "For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to
generation. " (KJV)
Mary sees God's Almightiness acting with His holiness in expressing His mercy, therefore His all-power is a cause for reverence and unbridled praise.
God Answers With All-power
He answered Sarah with the miraculous conception and birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:2 ). The Lord God of the impossible did what no other could do for Rebekah (Genesis 25:21 ) and Rachel (Genesis 30:22 ). Also for Manoah's wife (Judges
13:2,3,24 ). Hannah (1 Samuel 1:18-20 ). The shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:14-17 ). Elisabeth (Luke 1:7,13,57 ). These are demonstrations of the Lord's all-power readily understood by those barren and unable to reproduce, but who could, with
the direct intervention of God.
With Job, believers can worshipfully confess
Job 42:2 "I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You." (NKJV)
It is only the true and living God, the all-wise and loving God, to whom omnipotence can be attributed. All-power would be a most fearful thing if it were not governed by His perfect wisdom and love. In each of the actions of omnipotence on behalf of the barren women
referred to, His purpose could not be thwarted. What a joy it is for us who know that God is truly all-powerful to fulfill His plans and purposes, for they are for our eternal good.
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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION