Hebrews 11:11-12
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
Abraham received revelation from God that his wife would bear him a son. Sarah was ninety years old when this revelation was given to Abraham. Prior to that, Sarah had not had the ability to bear children. Genesis 18:11-14 provides an insight into Sarah’s physical state, her feelings concerning the revelation, and God’s ability to provide miracles despite her physical limitations. We find out in verse eleven that Sarah was “old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.” She knew that. Abraham knew that. When she heard what would take place, “Sarah laughed within herself” (Genesis 18:12). I don’t believe that Sarah lacked faith, but rather, it surprised her that at such an advanced age and after all that she had been through, the Lord in His mercy was going to grant her with the ability to have a son.
We do not know all the details of Sarah’s life as to how many countless hours day after day, year after year, she prayed without ceasing to be able to bear Abraham a son. She knew how important it was for Abraham to have children so that God’s promise could be fulfilled. She was humble enough to accept her fate, and eventually, her prayers may have led her to realize that if she couldn’t provide him a son, then others would have to. Her inability to bear children, the way she handled her trial throughout all those years, and her support towards Abraham and all the Lord had asked him to do demonstrated her unwavering faith towards God. She saw the eternal perspective of it all. She understood her role as a wife. Maybe she felt that she could still be a mother through her divine qualities and role as a woman. I am not yet a mother, but I have felt the desire to “mother” others. It’s hard to describe, but maybe other women can relate to my feelings as well. Sometimes you just feel the need to teach those that are younger than you, to lift their spirits, to provide counsel and encouragement, and to let them know you will always be there for them when they need you. I have felt the motherly influence of several women I’ve admired over the years. They understood their role as daughters of God.
However, God did not forget about Sarah. Genesis 18:14 is just beautiful, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” That question should encourage us when we are facing our trials, and we see them as too hard to bear. Nothing is impossible to the Lord. He knows exactly what we need and when it is appropriate for us to receive it. We need to submit our will to His will. We may want something to take place now and when it doesn’t happen, we may get disappointed. It is human nature to feel that way. But when we turn everything over to the Lord and ask Him to help us understand the lesson behind all the waiting, our perspective changes. Once our will is aligned with His will, our trials are easier to bear and our faith is strengthened. Always remember these phrases from verse fourteen when you feel discouraged or you need a booster, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee…”
Genesis 21:2 reads, “For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.” Sarah’s faith was rewarded, and she experienced indescribable joy. It truly was a miracle that at her age she received the “strength to conceive seed” as stated in Hebrews 11:11. Through Isaac, the Abrahamic covenant continued to be fulfilled. Sarah and Abraham had much to rejoice and be thankful for, as do you and I. What miracles that seemed impossible at first has the Lord made possible for you?
Thank you for participating in Hebrews 11 Part 1. I hope your testimony was strengthened as we studied the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. How did you like the study guide? Didn't get a chance to download it yet? Click here to do so! Please feel free to comment with your thoughts below. I look forward to sharing with you Hebrews 11 Part 2 very soon.
Hebrews 11 Part 1