Abraham was ninety-nine. Sarah was eighty-nine, and far past child-bearing age. Yet, God kept His promise, and Isaac was born (Genesis 21).
Isaac and Rebekah had been married for twenty years before Jacob and Esau were born (Genesis 25).
Jacob had ten sons, but “Rachel was unable to conceive” (Genesis 29:31). Finally, after years of waiting, “God opened her womb” and Joseph was conceived (Genesis 30:22).
Samson’s momma was unable to bear children (Judges 13:2) until God worked miraculously. Late in life, “the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson” (Judges 13:24).
Hannah, the mother of Samuel had been barren (1 Samuel 1:5) until God answered her pleadings for a child. Finally, “the Lord remembered her … Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel” (1 Samuel 1:19–20).
In the New Testament, John the Baptist was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, though they had tried and fail to have a child.
These men and their wives wanted children, and with God’s help, they became parents. That’s what occurred in the village of Shunem for a prominent couple that was childless. This couple had been extraordinarily hospitable to Elisha, and to repay their kindness, he asked God to give them a child.
Elisha boldly declared to the woman, “ ‘At this time next year you will have a son in your arms.’ Then she said, ‘No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your servant’ ” (2 Kings 4:16) The childless Shunamite couldn’t stand the thought of getting her hopes raised only to be dashed in disappointment. Her fears were unwarranted. “The woman conceived and gave birth to a son at the same time the following year, as Elisha had promised her” (2 Kings 4:17).
Does God answer prayers? Yes, according to His will and purpose.
Is anything too hard for God? No.
Should we ask God to do the impossible? Let’s do it!
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
Comments