Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself. Genesis 18:11-12

Sarah had just overheard Abraham being told again that his wife would bear him a son. It was humanly impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have a child. Although firm believers in God, this promise was more than they could take in.

Image © Steve Creitz from GoodSalt.com

Their reaction to the promise of God was quite similar to ours when we hear the word “perfection.” Our disbelief in the idea that man, even through divine power, can live a life above sin, being spiritually mature and totally submitted to God, makes us laugh within.

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

It is here that we are assailed by doubt. Like Abraham who assumed God meant the promise would be fulfilled through Ishmael, we view the impossibilities before us and offer our way as the solution (our Ishmael moments), instead of trusting God’s way (the faith way). We despair as we see ourselves as well stricken in years and past the time of childbearing.

Faith, the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, must apply to more than the removal of mountains that stand in our way as we pursue our own agendas in life. Its use must apply to more than the times of crisis when there is no human help available. It’s use must also apply to our pursuit of a Christ-like life while here on earth.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ Philippians 1:6

To get there will be a process that must involve the testing of our faith. But don’t let that cause you to draw back. James saw the big picture and sends us words of encouragement.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

The solution to our doubts is in understanding and believing in the power of the God we serve. If we look to ourselves we will faint in discouragement. If we base our futures upon the evidence of our past, we see no possibility of being what God expects us to be. We must look to a Higher Power than ourselves.

To answer the doubts of Abraham and Sarah about the promise of God a question was asked. It was a simple question but one so profound that it encompasses every challenge we face in life as followers of Christ.

Is anything too hard for the Lord? Genesis 18:14

Regardless of the failures of our past, God can bring a new thing out of something old. Just ask Abraham.

Here are a few Hit the Mark questions for this week’s lesson discussion:

• What does “perfection” mean to you?
• What does “going through trials” mean to you?
• Is it true that all difficulties faced in life are a part of the intentional testing of our faith? Why yes or no?
• Is it true that when we are going through difficult times directly as a result of our incorrect actions, we should not expect God’s special help? Why or why not?
• What, if any, is the difference between questioning God and doubting God?
• Is helping the poor a major part of the church’s mission? Why or why not?
• Is the following statement True, Mostly True, Somewhat True or Not True: Our helping or lack of helping the poor and less fortunate is an indication of the level of our spirituality. Explain your answer.

We close these week with a portion of the comforting words of Psalms 103. We serve a God of love and compassion.

The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. Psalms 103:8-14

Until next week, let’s all continue to Hit the Mark in Sabbath School!

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