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“‘…I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.’  Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, ‘I did not laugh.’  But he said, ‘Yes, you did laugh.’” (Genesis 18:12-15).

Abraham and the Three Angels (Rembrandt)

Life is really hard.

The other day I was speaking to a beautiful young woman.  She is clever and successful and hardworking and beautiful.  In short, she has every evident advantage.  And yet – she is unable to have children.  She and her husband are dealing with the terrible suffering of infertility.  For many years she has tried to have a child and has been unable to conceive.

And you would not know this to look at her.  You would not understand this to see her walking in the street or doing her work during the day.  It would not make sense to someone who was observing her at work or among her friends.  For the outside observer her life is exciting and wonderful.  And yet, she is suffering terribly.

And I have been reflecting on that today.  Infertility is a terrible Cross to bear.  Saint Elizabeth, the mother of Saint John the Baptist was unable to have a child until her old age.  She and her husband suffered so much with this that when the Angel announced that pregnancy to Zechariah, he refused to believe and was struck dumb for his lack of faith…

“Zechariah said to the angel, ‘What proof is there for this? I’m an old man, and my wife is beyond her childbearing years.’  The angel answered him, ‘I’m Gabriel! I stand in God’s presence. God sent me to tell you this good news.  But because you didn’t believe what I said, you will be unable to talk until the day this happens. Everything will come true at the right time.’” (Luke 1:18-20).

But he was not the only one to disbelieve the miracle after too great a suffering.  Sara, the wife of Abraham, who had suffered the suffering of infertility was also granted a child in her old age.  And when that happened, she laughed…

“So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’  Then the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’  Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.’  Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, ‘I did not laugh.’  But he said, ‘Yes, you did laugh.’” (Genesis 18:12-15).

And I have been thinking of these two examples as I have been thinking about this beautiful young woman.  And I see this as a reminder that God can do anything.  And knowing that, I am sure not only that He can help this young woman and her husband, but also that He can grant her peace on her journey.

And I have been thinking about that today, because there is no peace without prayer for prayer shortens all suffering.  Prayer shortens everything…

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.