Doubt

Life is an interesting journey! That may be a statement that someone has shared with you or you have shared with another person. Similarly, some people say, if you don’t like the way things are going today just give it time; life can change on a dime. This isn't a news flash. Circumstances in life can lead to doubt and questions. Especially when things change quickly and/or an event seems impossible.

Let’s look at a historical story and gather information about awareness, hospitality, sarcasm, doubt, omniscience, and a promise. This story is told in the Bible, Genesis 18:1-19.

Abraham knew without hesitation that the three men whom he saw nearby were special. Even though it was the middle of the day and the hottest part, he knew they were angels. Not only did he run to them, but he bowed to them. More astonishing is the fact that he addressed one of them as Lord. How did he grasp what was going on? Could it be because Abraham listened, was open to hear the Spirit within, and was accustomed to being obedient? Perhaps Abraham had an awareness because he walked with God (Genesis 17:1).

Abraham extended the utmost hospitality by providing water to wash the visitors’ feet and inviting them to stay for a meal. He asked Sarah to make homemade bread, then he went to the herd, selected a calf, and gave it to a servant for preparation. Abraham did not eat with the three because he chose to wait on them. Why? Did he want to honor the guests, meet their needs, and show them respect? He had already been told that a great nation would come from him. Maybe he was excited about the news the visitors were bringing.

One of the visitors shared with Abraham that Sarah would have a son on the next visit in one year. Sarah, who was in the tent, laughed to herself. She questioned how this could happen in her old age. Her sarcasm and doubt were understandable given that she was 90 years old. Abraham, who was 100, also laughed when told that he would have a son (Genesis 17:17). Were they wrong for having this attitude? Were they held accountable for their actions? God understands when we question a certain event or a sudden change of circumstances.

The Lord, translated as Jehovah, knew exactly how Sarah reacted and what she said to herself. This act of knowing everything by God is called omniscience (Webster's definition). Interesting to note that Abraham was the one who was questioned about Sarah’s thoughts. One of the questions asked was, “Why did Sarah laugh?” Another was, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Let’s try and picture this scene better. At some point, Sarah must have surfaced from the tent. She decided to answer the questions instead of letting Abraham, or maybe this happened after he addressed the questions. Regardless, we read that she responded, “No I did not laugh.” Why did Sarah deny her thoughts? Could her fear stem from doubting the Lord’s compassion, understanding, and more importantly His plan for Abraham’s family? Remember, Abraham was promised that through him there would be a “great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed.” (v 18)

The Lord Promises Abraham a son:

He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah, your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. Genesis 18:10 NASB1995

Promise reiterated:

”Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:14 NASB1995

For You Today:

This isn't just a good story with lessons and meaning. When we open our hearts and minds, it can be a path to help us see beyond the current circumstances in our lives. God has a bigger picture than we can see. It's like a puzzle. Each piece by itself doesn't look like anything, but when you put it all together you can see the image. Trust God to put the pieces of your life together even and especially when it doesn't make sense. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, look for the bigger picture, and patiently wait.