Many years ago, a group of friends came to our house for a dinner party. Although I helped my mother with the preparations and food, I wasn’t allowed to join the adults at the gathering. However, I sat quietly in the shadows at the top of the stairs, listening to the conversation and laughter below.
Middle Eastern customs prevented Sarah from joining her husband, Abraham, when three men suddenly appeared one afternoon. Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent near the oak grove of Mamre (Genesis 18:1). When he looked up, he saw three men standing before him. He hurried to meet them, bowed his face to the ground, and worshiped. The Bible tells us that the Lord appeared to Abraham once again.
“O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.”
- Genesis 18:3-5
Abraham welcomed his guests and extended them hospitality—washing their feet, providing shade, and offering food. Look carefully at the biblical text. It progresses from the arrival of three men to the acknowledgment of the Lord’s presence. Abraham recognizes that this is an extraordinary visit.
So, Abraham ran back to the tent and said to Sarah, “Hurry! Get three large measures of your best flour, knead it into dough, and bake some bread.” Then Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a tender calf, and gave it to his servant, who quickly prepared it.
- Genesis 18:6-7
Quickly, Abraham called his wife, Sarah, and his servant for help. Important guests have arrived — let’s prepare bread and meat. When the food was ready, Abraham served them.
During the meal, the visitors asked, “Where is Sarah, your wife?” “She is inside the tent,” Abraham replied (Genesis 18:9).
Now, the reason for their visit and the bold announcement.
Then one of them said, “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!” Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent.
- Genesis 18:10
Abraham was an old man, and Sarah was well past the age of having children. Can you imagine her shaking her head in disbelief? This is impossible! Sarah laughed to herself and muttered quietly, “I’m too old.”
Very quickly, the focus of the conversation turns to Sarah.
Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’
- Genesis 18:13
It’s important to note the clear identification of the Lord speaking to Abraham about Sarah’s reaction. Why did she laugh? If we are honest, we can relate to Sarah’s response. She was ninety years old. How could she possibly conceive a child after all these years of longing and waiting for this promised son?
Then, a strong reply filled with great promise.
Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
- Genesis 18:14
Because of her fear, Sarah lied and said, “I didn’t laugh.”
But the Lord said, “No, you did laugh.”
- Genesis 18:15
Yes, Sarah did laugh, and she lied about it. But the Lord did not withdraw His promise of a son. A baby would still be born to Abraham and Sarah, despite their old age.
Head to Heart
How do you notice the Lord’s presence throughout your day? Sometimes, we forget that He is always with us and will never leave or forsake us.
Do you seek His guidance and direction in every decision you make? It is possible to notice the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge or quiet whisper, but many times we are too busy and loud.
What are you waiting for today? Perhaps you’ve been waiting a long time, feeling like you’ll never hear from the Lord. Keep crying out to Him. Ask God to strengthen your trust in Him and believe that He will complete His good work and purpose in your life.
I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?
- Jeremiah 32:27
DGTM RESOURCE: Your Personal Decision to Walk with God
© 2025 Discover God's Truth Ministries
This was such a wonderful reminder that God is in control of our lives, and He wishes only the good that he has prepared for us. But, our focus is so often not on Him but on ourselves.