Faith Over PerfectionSample

Read: Genesis 21:1–7; Job 8:20–21

SOAP: Genesis 21:1

The LORD visited Sarah just as he had said he would and did for Sarah what he had promised.

What joy Sarah must have felt when she recognized what was happening! She had waited and waited. She had tried to build a family through her servant. She had been promised a son, and she laughed at the absurdity of the idea. Yet here she was, watching God fulfill His promise to her.

While from the beginning of the story of Abraham the promise of descendants and land seems to be specific for Abraham, this verse reminds us how Sarah was an equal part of the promise as Abraham’s wife. God made promises to her as well. He promised to give her a child, even in her old age. Even in her unbelief and her attempts to build a family through Hagar, God kept His promise. His promise was fulfilled for Sarah in His perfect timing. 

The fulfillment of this promise brought great joy. Her use of the word laughter is a play on the name Isaac. Sarah laughed out of unbelief when God told her she would have a son. Now, she was laughing out of joy over the fulfillment of the promise.  

Abraham and Sarah both respond to Isaac’s birth, to the fulfillment of the promise, with laughter and praise. Abraham responds in obedience to God as well, fulfilling his responsibility to the covenant. God promised He would give Abraham a son through Sarah, and Abraham fulfilled the covenant by circumcising Isaac. While there would still be challenges ahead, the birth of Isaac restored the faith of Abraham and Sarah, reminding them of the power and goodness of God. He is a God who keeps His promises.

Prayer

Lord God, You keep Your promises. I praise You for the way You kept Your promise to Sarah and the way You keep Your promises to me. I know not one of Your promises has ever failed. I trust You as You continue to work in my life. You are the great Promise Keeper. Amen.