Fearless Faith and Awestruck Joy-The Keys to Miraculous Faith
She was a beautiful bride, the fairytale story as she married the prince. What anticipation and joy she had as she watched the nieces and nephews be born. She waited and prepared the nursery, longing to be blessed with a child. Year after year passed and she remained barren. She tried to keep up a smiling face before her husband whom she loved so much. She so wanted to be the perfect wife; but, no child came.
original photography used by permission of Jim Peregoy
Her tears had long since stopped when her husband told her the news that God had called him into a new land and that through his seed would come the promised blessing of all the nations. The Messiah would come to abolish sin and establish his kingdom. Once more she began to hope—could it be that God would now bless her with a child?
She packed and with great anticipation traveled through the rough lands following her husband as they went off to the land of promise. Once more, she longed to hold a baby in her arms. After they arrived, the famine came and Abram took them to Egypt. He asked her to say, “I am his sister” and she wanted so to please her husband, so she would do whatever he asked. She was taken off to the King’s palace; but, fortunately nothing happened. She was so afraid, but God had protected her. Each year, she hope this would be the year. Each year, no baby came. Abram told her of the walks with God and that God said the promised child would come; yet, no baby. She did not want to share her husband; but, maybe God would bless her through her maiden, so she gave Hagar to him. Hagar did become pregnant and Sarah wanted to be happy. In fact, she told herself she would care for this baby like her own; but, Hagar wasn’t going to allow that. Hagar despised her and Sarah felt even more isolated, lonely and confused. Again, Abraham told her that God said she would have children; but, she had long sense passed the years in which she could. She wanted to believe. She longed to hold a child; but, it seemed impossible. Then, one day those visitors came. She prepared the meal as Abraham went out to talk to them, then stood in the door of the tent. She wanted to hear what was said, for it was God who had appeared there to Abraham. As she listened, she heard the Lord say, “Sarah, thy wife shall have a son” (Genesis 18:10). She laughed and then “the Lord said unto Abraham, ‘Wherefore did Sarah laugh, say, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son” (Genesis 18:13-14). Suddenly, frightened and awed at the same time; Sarah believed. Embarrassed by her own thoughts and her laughter; yet, God had heard her thoughts and God had promised to give her a son. She had heard it with her own ears and she believed. We know the rest of the story—Isaac was born and through Isaac Jesus Christ was born to bear the penalty of mankind’s sin once and for all. He came to offer salvation to all the world, so that anyone who would believe could be saved by faith. “11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11). She now understood that the promise was more than just her having a child. The promise was the Messiah that would come. She saw the bigger picture- God’s plan. Her faith became her cloak of righteousness, hope, joy, love, and glory. So what are the keys to faith?
1. Believe that God is who He says He is. The all-powerful, sovereign, Creator and King of the Universe who by His own Righteous nature will faithfully keep all of His promises.
2. Believe that God will reward those who diligently seek Him.
Do you believe that? I invite you to comment and tell me your stories of miraculous faith.
Listen to this song, Sovereign Over Us. As you listen let the words flow over you. What has he asked you to wait for? Do you know how great His love for you? Do you know He is faithfully working for your good even in the midst of the storms and the valleys? His plan for your life has been molded in His perfect Hands of Love.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.