Good Morning Girls!  Whenever I read the story of God promising Abraham and Sarah a son, I remember thinking that Abraham was the example of how to receive a blessing, and Sarah was the example of how you can almost lose your blessing.  Abraham was full of faith and Sarah- well Sarah didn't trust God or have much faith.   In fact, she actually laughed at God.

Now my judgemental image of Sarah occurred back in the days when my faith was pretty much black and white.  I had a list of things you should do as well as a list of things you should not do.  They were part of my "How to be a good Christian handbook".   This handbook made my Christian walk easier.......

Until the day when my life started going down a road never imagined- despite me following all the "rules" in my handbook!  Despite all my bests efforts to follow my handbook (and trust me, I am not talking about the Bible here), my life began to unravel.  Bad things- things that only happen to those who "lack faith" began to happen.  Despite me clinging more desperately to my rules...things did not get back on track.  

For the last couple of years my beliefs, ideas, and images of God- along with this whole "Christian thing" have been put through the ringer- multiple times!  I have had to examine each and every "rule" in my handbook in order to identify where this rule came from, and if it lined up with God's Word.  My black and white world has been (and in many ways still is) every imaginable shade of grey! 

I now have a little more empathy for Sarah.  I understand how at her age after many many years of wanting children, she laughed when she heard the Lord promise Abraham a son.  Instead of seeing her as an example of someone who lacks faith, I see her as a Real Woman- a woman who had to let go of her dream after years of it not coming true.  She had to let go of it to protect her heart. 

But God is GOOD!!!! He is faithful and just and understands us Real Women!  Do you want to know how I know that?  I know that because Sarah is still listed in the Faith Hall of Famers!  It says in Hebrews 11:11 It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old.  She believed that God would keep his promise. 

No where in the Hall of Fame verses does it even mention how she laughed at God when she first heard the promise!  It doesn't even mention how she tried to take matters into her own hands by having Abraham sleep with her servant, or how she then turned around and blamed everyone else for her mistakes!  She is simply remembered for her faith.  It may have taken her a while to fully believe and have faith in the Lord, but when she did she was remembered for having Great Faith!

So Girls, if you have been feeling like you disqualified yourself or your family from the promises of God due to your lack of faith, you can find comfort in this truth: God sees you as perfect.  He remembers you for your faith- not for your moments of doubt, disbelief, and discouragement!  You have not disqualified yourself from blessing- even if you have laughed at God and said some "negative confessions"! 

God wants to bless you and give you good things.  It's never to late to decide to believe, He will never say "oops....sorry....you shouldn't have laughed at me......".  Thank God that He is nothing like us!  He holds no grudges or memory book of wrong doings! 

Perhaps it's time you stop holding a grudge on yourself........

Love, grace, and fresh faith to you all-

Jen