“God said to Abraham, “As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for Sarah will be her name. I will bless her; indeed, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will produce nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a hundred-year-old man? Can Sarah, a ninety-year-old woman, give birth?”” (Genesis 17:15–17, CSB)
Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a hundred-year-old man? Can Sarah, a ninety-year-old woman, give birth?” Why is it so hard to believe God when He tells us He will do the impossible in our marriage? Why do we choose not to believe? Why is doubt easier than faith?
Notice Abraham’s reaction to God’s promise. “Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed.” Have you ever reacted like this to something God has told you concerning your marriage? Sometimes the promises of God seem ridiculous, especially when we are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit. Doubt requires nothing of us.
When Abraham heard these words of God, the promise of a son from his post-menopausal wife, his knowledge of science overruled his experience with his God. Are you familiar with this scenario? Do you know what I’m talking about?
Often we choose to believe what we know instead of whom we know. When our rational mind overtakes God’s promises, we are headed for unbelief. It is in those moments that we must will ourselves to trust the One who spoke and the universe appeared. Until we do that, we will hold God’s promises for our marriage in derision.
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, CSB) Reality. There’s the issue. Is God our reality? Or, do we trust what we can touch and see? The Bible calls that walking by sight and not by faith (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Marriage is about trusting God, about believing God for the impossible. When we lead with a, “Yes, God, I believe you!” God does amazing things for us. Marriage changes when we act in faith!
What impossible thing do you need to trust God for right now?
Magnificent Marriage Mondays are helpful hints, clues, ideas, and solutions for the child of God who is looking for a spouse, in a relationship with someone, or are already married. Each post seeks to bring help, hope, and honesty to your life and make the rest of your life, the best of your life. They are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his 38 years, 5 months and 2 days experience with his wife, Melodee, who was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. He is currently seeking God’s will for his new life partner. He welcomes your comments below.
