How Big is Your Faith?

Sarah’s story is a fascinating account of faith in the face of impossible odds. God had promised her a child when in reality, she was barren and miles beyond menopause. Humanly speaking, her chances of conceiving and giving birth were zero.

How did Sarah respond to that promise? Initially she guffawed: “Who, me? Pregnant at my age? Yeah, right.” Then she trusted, at least until she tired of waiting and decided to help God by bringing Hagar into the picture. And yet, throughout her life was woven a strand of faith that believed God would fulfill even in the face of impossible circumstances. “It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old” (Hebrews 11:11).

How big was Sarah’s faith, really? Sometimes we see her as a spiritual giant of sorts, but is that image true? Scripture shows us that she waffled and wavered as she waited for God to fulfill His promise. Being the human that she was, she messed up occasionally and rushed ahead of Him. Perhaps her faith was more like a grain of sand than Mt. Everest. And yet God fulfilled His promise to her and made her the mother of a great nation.

That thought brings me great encouragement. If there was hope for Sarah, there’s hope for me! You see, sometimes I waffle and waver, too. Sometimes I rush ahead of God. Sometimes I grow impatient and mess up. Thankfully God, in His kindness and sovereignty, fulfills His promises to me nonetheless.

How about you? Can you relate to Sarah’s story? Perhaps you’re waiting for God to fulfill a promise He’s made to you and, in all honesty, your faith feels weak and wobbly at times. Be encouraged…exercise the faith you have, and know that God will fulfill in His way and in His time. If there’s hope for Sarah, there’s hope for you, my friend!

Be blessed, and have a good weekend. If you have a moment, answer this question: What promise from God’s Word encourages you to exercise faith in the face of the impossible?