18 JULY
Is anything too hard?
‘Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.’ Genesis 18:14
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 40:27–31
Convinced souls are hard to be persuaded of forgiveness. Yet they have a sure ground to wait for it. The promises are many and explicit. But the nature of their sins, and the views they have of his justice and holiness, make them question, if not for others, yet for themselves. It is observable the mercy of God is spoken of in connection with his power—he is mighty to save, he shall come with a strong hand. Consider what the power of God has done in giving his Son, raising him from the dead, pardoning the vilest—such as Manasseh and the thief upon the cross. In the conflict with indwelling sin, some are so sorely beset, they are ready to give up hope; but read Isaiah 40:28–31. He can uphold, and he will, and show himself strong in behalf of the upright of heart. Some are distressed about their own conversion. ‘How long have I heard, how many have I seen called before me? I sometimes think, if the gospel was quite new to me, surely I should not sit so stupid under it. But I have attended so long, that it seems a thing of course.’ Come, take courage and listen again—it is a hard thing, but not too hard for the Lord. He can yet make the desert a fruitful field. Others are distressed for their friends. ‘I have prayed and hoped for my child—for my husband—but the prospect grows darker; they seem more hardened, more obstinate. Formerly the Word seemed to touch them, but now they are sermon-proof.’
FOR MEDITATION: Fear not—he will not despise the day of small things or quench the smoking flax. All things shall work together for your good. Your love to him shall sweeten all your difficulties, his love to you shall enable you to hold out, make you more than conquerors in the end and bestow on you the crown of life which the Lord has promised to them that love him and wait for his appearing.
Sermon on Romans 8:28, The Searcher of Hearts
SERMON SERIES: GENESIS, NO. 37 [3/4], GENESIS 18:14
Milo 