Sunday Sermon 7.31.21
Our life goes through seasons and who of us has not experienced a season of just being spent, used up, exhausted, maybe even feeling unusable.
Luckily these times are temporary, even through we don’t see it at the time. But as we grow older, this feeling of being worn out is not so temporary.
We become worn down by the daily grind, increased responsibilities, multiplying demands, unforeseeable events, changing expectations, or any number of pressing issues on us.
Often we wind up shutting down and shutting out people. Or perhaps even retreating to complete isolation. Our vision and hope for the future is shaded by this cloud of dark uncertainty.
Energy levels are low, strength wanning, and motivation to do anything is lacking. In our mind we wrestle with, “Is this it, am I done? I don’t think I have anything left.”
Whether young or old, this feeling of being worn out and the thoughts that accompany it are very real.
It was a hot day as he sat under the oaks, outside of his home when he saw 3 men approaching him. He ran out to meet them and pleaded with them to stay with him and share a meal. They agreed to stay and as the meal was prepared, the following discussion ensued:
“Where is your wife, Sarah?” He answered, “Over there, in the tent.” Then one spoke up and said, “I will return about this time next year, when your wife Sarah shall certainly have a son.” Sarah overheard it, for she was at the tent door. Now both Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.
Sarah laughed to herself with disbelief, saying, “A woman of my age- … after I’m worn out?”
Genesis 18:9-12
Sarah’s laugh and disbelief revealed the truth of her circumstance. She was indeed worn out, fatigued. Other renderings say she was withered, dried up, decaying, even failing. Sarah thought her fruitful days were behind her, and God had no further plan for her or pleasure in her.
I believe for years Sarah had wrestled within herself about her fruitfulness. Her thoughts, desires, and hopes all colliding with the reality of her barren body. And now, this promise of life springing from her, “at her age”, was more than she could handle.
She laughed! Out loud. In that moment it all burst forth. Her pain, questions, hopes, disappointments, and shame. After years, the promise of fruitfulness was now at her doorstep.
God was NOT done with her.
She may be worn out, but God was not. God’s response to her was,
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Genesis 18:14
So, a 90 year old, worn out, used up laughing woman, with the help of her 100 year old husband, gave birth about the same time the next year to a baby boy, who they named, “laughter” aka, Isaac.
Nothing is too hard for God.
My friend, we are living in days of fruitfulness. We are living in days of fulfilled promises. We are living in days of God doing the impossible for those who believe him.
No matter how worn out you may feel. God is not done with you! Let me say it again, God is not done with you.
You have fruitful days ahead. Days of birthing new ideas, and endeavors. The time of producing new life is upon you.
Sarah said, “After I am worn out????”
God said, absolutely! Nothing is too hard for me!
May you arise to walk in new hope and strength today, knowing that your fruitful days are still ahead of you.
Whether or not you are worn out!
Go with God,
Debbie
Under Debra’s Palm 