In the article “When She Was Past Age,” Don Fortner explores the profound theological significance of Sarah's faith as depicted in Hebrews 11:11-12. The author argues that Sarah's ability to conceive, despite her advanced age, serves as a testament to God's omnipotence and faithfulness. He emphasizes that faith hinges not on human circumstances but on God's promises, illustrating that God's supernatural ability to intervene in nature affirms the necessity of unwavering belief in His Word. Fortner references the assurance found in Lamentations 3:22-26 to support his claim that God's promises are reliable and essential for spiritual assurance. The article highlights the broader implications of personal faith, suggesting that Sarah’s belief not only led to the birth of Isaac but ultimately connected to the lineage of Christ, demonstrating how individual faith can influence generations.
Key Quotes
“The omnipotent God is not limited by nature; He rules nature and alters it as He sees fit.”
“Let us take heed that we really believe God's Revelation.”
“Because Sarah believed God, the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world in the fullness of time to redeem us.”
“Who can estimate the fruits of faith? Who can tell how many lives may be affected for good even in generations yet to come through your faith and my faith today?”
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. - Hebrews 11:11-12“When She Was Past Age”
"Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." Hebrews 11:11-12
The Holy Spirit emphasizes the fact that Sarah received strength to conceive and bear a son “when she was past age.” He hereby heightens the sense of the miraculous and the supernatural because he would have us understand that no difficulty, no obstacle, no hindrance, should cause us to not believe our God.
The omnipotent God is not limited by nature. He rules nature and alters it as he sees fit! He who brought water out of the Rock, poured Bread down from heaven, and caused an axe to swim has no difficulty with anything. The greater the apparent difficulties are the greater reason we have to believe God.
When all the streams of nature are dry, then we should most reasonably expect the waters of God’s grace and goodness to pour out in a flood of mercy! Whatever the difficulties are before us, whatever the obstacles may be that are in our way, let us “be strong in faith” being fully persuaded that “what he has promised he is able to perform.”
God’s Faithfulness
Sarah believed God “because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Faith looks to God, not to self. Faith looks to God, not to circumstances. “If we would trust God we must crucify the question, ‘How?’” – (Martin Luther)
Let it never be forgotten that Sarah had the Word of God for what she believed. It was not a whim, a figment of her imagination, or simply something she desired which gave her faith. God made a promise, and she believed the Word God gave.
Let us take heed that it is God’s Word and God’s testimony that we believe. Let us take heed that we really believe God’s Revelation. Let us take care that we cherish no hope but that which the Word of God promise. If we have the Word of God for the foundation of our faith, then it is impossible for our faith to be too confident or our hope to be too firm. – “Because he is faithful that promised!”
He who is our God is a God of promised goodness. His promises of goodness to his people extend to all things temporal, spiritual and eternal. His promises are free, unconditional and sure. God who is faithful, all-wise, immutable, omnipotent and true cannot fail (Lam. 3:22-26)
Faith’s Fruit
"Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." Because Sarah believed God, God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled.
Sarah’s faith was as essential to the fulfillment of the promise as Abraham’s. Yes, it is God who fulfills the promise. Yes, it is God who gives us faith. But, still, faith, personal faith exercised toward God is essential to receiving the blessing he has promised. – “Thy faith hath saved thee!”
•Because she believed God, Sarah became the mother of a great nation – The Church of God. You and I, like Isaac, are the children of our mother in faith, Sarah!
•Because Sarah believed God, the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world in the fulness of time to redeem us.
Commenting on verse 12, A. W. Pink wrote—“The opening ‘Therefore’ of verse 12 points the blessed consequence of her relying upon the faithfulness of God in the face of the utmost natural discouragements. From her faith there issued Isaac, and from him, ultimately, Christ Himself. And this is recorded for our instruction. Who can estimate the fruits of faith? Who can tell how many lives may be affected for good, even in generations yet to come, through your faith and my faith today! Oh how the thought of this should stir us up to cry more earnestly ‘Lord, increase our faith’ to the praise of the glory of Thy grace.”
Oh, gift of gifts! Oh grace of faith!
My God, how can it be
That You, in free and sov’reign love,
Should give that gift to me?
Sweet grace! -- Into the vilest heart,
It is God’s boast to come,
The glory of His grace to set,
In darkest souls His throne!
Your choice, Father, (Great God of grace!),
I lovingly adore.
Thank You for this great gift of faith,
And grace to long for more!
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