“Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
This verse occurs when Sarah, Abraham’s wife, overhears the three men discussing the promise that she would bear a son. At this point, both Abraham and Sarah were advanced in years, and Sarah had been unable to conceive throughout her life. When Sarah hears the news that she would bear a child, she inwardly laughs, expressing doubt and incredulity due to their old age. This passage provides some significant insights and lessons:
Sarah’s Doubt:Sarah’s laughter is indicative of her disbelief and doubt regarding the fulfillment of God’s promise. Her reaction highlights the human tendency to doubt when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances. Sarah’s doubt is understandable given her old age and the biological improbability of conceiving at that stage in life.
God’s Faithfulness:Despite Sarah’s doubt, God remains faithful to His promise. In the subsequent verses (Genesis 18:13-15), God confronts Sarah’s laughter and reaffirms His promise to her. God reminds her that nothing is too difficult for Him and that the birth of a child, even in old age, is within His power.
Lessons in Faith:Sarah’s doubt and subsequent correction from God teach us important lessons about faith. First, they demonstrate that it’s natural to question and doubt when faced with challenging circumstances. However, they also emphasize the importance of surrendering our doubts and placing our trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. God’s response to Sarah’s doubt serves as a reminder that He can bring about the fulfillment of His promises, regardless of how impossible or unlikely they may seem to us.
Overall, Genesis 18:12 serves as a reminder that even in moments of doubt, we can trust in God’s faithfulness. It encourages us to place our faith in Him and believe that He is able to fulfil His promises, even when the circumstances appear unfavourable or unlikely.
