Sarah testified; *“God has made me laugh and all who hear will laugh with me!”*
Gen. 21:6
The journey to the making of the above testimony did not start on a happy note like the above text. There were moments Sarah struggled with the promise, there were times she was weak in faith and strength, there were even times she compromised.. But He who gave the promise was merciful and faithful!
*"By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed,* and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised."
Heb. 11:11
In the above scripture, there would not have been a reason for strength if there was no weakness.
The promise of God first came directly to Abraham who then shared with his wife Sarah. She may have thought that she had an no part in that kind of amazing promise. Perhaps, she may have believed that the promise only applied to people with strong faith like her husband, so she attempted to "help Abraham to help God to bring His promises to pass" through her maidservant Hagar.
*"And not being weak in faith, he (Abraham) did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God."*
Rom 4:19-20
Even though Abraham held on to God's promise, he still needed His strength. This shows that there will be times in our lives when we feel weak in strength and faith.
Don't crucify yourself when you sometimes find yourself doubting or not holding on to the promises of God, the heroes of faith had their moments of weaknesses as well. E.g
Gideon (Jud. 6:15), Moses (Ex. 4:10-13), Mary (Luke 1:34).
However, it is important to identify the areas where you are weak and submit them to God, so you can receive His strength.
*"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness". For when I am weak, then I am strong."*
2 Cor. 12:9 - 10
Most times, we fret because we are working with our own timeline.
There is a moment called the "Appointed Time". There is an appointed time for every promise.
*3 Ways We Can Be Strengthened*
*#1 Identify Your Source of Strength*
What is it that gives you strength in your moments of weaknesses? Is it listening to music, singing, studying the word of God, strategic relationships, fellowshipping with the saints? Identify it, guard it and don't stop doing it!
*#2 Guard Your Confession*
Guard your utterances. There will times when the people you think should encourage you are weary as well, you need to get real and encourage yourself while guarding your confession. Your utterances must be in line with what God said.
*#3 Receive Strength by Faith*
The strength that was supplied to Abraham and Sarah is available for you too, even now, if you'll ask and receive by Faith. Persistent Faith is what is needed.
