Is Anything Too Hard for God?

June 19, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“The Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old? Is anything too hard for the Lord?’” Genesis 18:13-14

To my knowledge, I have never seen or experienced the presence of an angelic being; however, I know people who have. I also know the words of Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby, some have entertained angles unawares.” Abraham had this exact experience! One day he looked outside his tent and saw three men walking past (see Genesis 18:1-2). Abraham summoned these men to stop, rest, and then enjoy a meal with him. Did he know they were angels?

Throughout this conversation, Abraham was entertaining these angels. Scripture tells us the Lord was speaking to Abraham, just through an intermediary. Thankfully, Abraham knew how to show hospitality quite well - cakes were made, meat was prepared, and curds and milk were provided for these guests.

As the men ate and talked, they inquired as to Sarah’s whereabouts and then reminded Abraham of the covenant God made with him. True to his word, God would provide Abraham a son through his wife Sarah. Sarah overheard the conversation and laughed to herself. Now this did not mark the first time one of them had laughed concerning a son to be born to them. In Genesis 17:17, Abraham laughed at God. In fact, not only did Abraham laugh, but he asked God to change the plan and make Ishmael the promised child. In his mercy, God promised to bless Ishmael and to multiply his descendants, but he would not go back on his word. Sarah would bear Abraham a son, and his name would be Isaac, a name which means “laughter” or “he laughs”.

Abraham laughed at God’s plan and now Sarah laughed at it. Yet, God’s word remained and remains true. The angels ask Abraham this question, “Is anything too hard for God?” What a question for Abraham – he longed for that promise. He longed for Sarah to know the joy of bearing a child! Was this an impossible promise for God to fulfill?

Maybe God is asking you this very question today: Is there anything in your life that is too hard for the Lord?

Throughout the pages of Scripture, God reminds you that his ways are not hindered as your way may be. While you may choose a young and healthy couple to bear the promised child, God chose what seemed to be dead (Sarah’s womb) to bear Isaac. No age or circumstances hindered God His way would go forth because he is above all things in heaven and on earth. God would work his plan despite the laughter and unbelief.

Reflection:

Consider the question for yourself again. Is there anything in your life that feels too hard for God right now? What miracle are you waiting to see occur? God has a redemptive plan for you, for your life, for your most dire circumstances. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.