Do we keep on believing in spite of the circumstances that we face?

3. Did you face an insurmountable challenge or
experience tremendous failure that if you could
go back in time, you’d approach differently?

4. “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will
return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have
a son.”
GENESIS 18:14

5. Though Abraham received a promise from a faithful God,
he faced circumstances which made the fulfillment of
that promise seem impossible. We are bound to face
circumstances which may make our walk with God seem
difficult. Instead of questioning God's plan and promises,
we put our faith in what He says because He will surely
fulfill it. Today, we will see how God demonstrated this
faithfulness in Abraham and Sarah’s lives as He fulfilled
His promise to them.

6. Background: Abraham & the Three Visitors
Genesis 18: 1-15

7. God understands our circumstances.

8. They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he
said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely
return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your
wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the
tent door behind him.
GENESIS 18:9,10

9. God knew Abraham and Sarah’s need for an heir and
desire for a child, and He addressed this with the
promise of a son at a specific time. God knows us and
understands our every circumstance, as well as our
thoughts and emotions. He cares deeply for us and has a
promise for us. He desires to show us that He is a faithful
and merciful God. According to Psalm 34:15, how does
God respond to our cries?

10. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.
PSALMS 34:15

11. God wants us to have faith in Him.

12. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years.
The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So
Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out,
and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said
to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed
bear a child, now that I am old?’”
GENESIS 18:11-13

13. Sarah laughed because she doubted the Lord’s promise
of a son, knowing it to be physically impossible. But
Abraham and Sarah conceived a son despite their old
age, proving the power of God. God’s promises may seem
impossible at first glance. Instead of doubting and
questioning God, respond in faith and believe that He can
do everything He says. How does Numbers 23:19
encourage us to be in faith that God will fulfill His
promises?

14. “Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time
I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah
shall have a son.”
GENESIS 18:14

15. Embrace God’s plan when it is different
from yours.

16. God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son,
and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my
covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his
offspring after him.”
GENESIS 17:19

17. God proved to Abraham and Sarah that He was able and
willing to give them a son, even if the circumstance
dictated otherwise. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Even
in the most difficult circumstances, He will demonstrate
His power and might in our lives by fulfilling His
seemingly impossible promises. When something
impossible happens, there is no denying that He is the
One who moved. Why does God want us to experience
how He makes the impossible possible?

19. • What verse in the Bible can you hold on to as a
reminder of God’s faithfulness when you face fear,
doubt, and unbelief? Commit to memorize and declare
the verse to yourself every day.
• What promise from God are you holding on to today?
What are two things you can do that will help you
believe God for that promise?
• How has God shown His faithfulness to you in the
times you faced seemingly impossible circumstances?
Share this testimony to a family member or friend who
is facing difficulties as he or she is waiting on the
fulfillment of God’s promise this week.

20. Verses to encourage you this week:
• I have learned in whatever situation I am to be
content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how
to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have
learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger,
abundance and need. I can do all things through him
who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11b-13
• And we know that for those who love God all things
work together for good, for those who are called
according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
• Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor
powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all
creation, will be able to separate us from the love of
God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38