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A Time to Laugh

Genesis 18:10-13

The LORD said, “I will certainly come back to you in about a year’s time, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent behind him. Abraham and Sarah were old and getting on in years. Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. So she laughed to herself: “After I have become shriveled up and my lord is old, will I have delight?” But the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying ‘Can I really have a baby when I’m old?’ Is anything impossible for the LORD? At the appointed time I will come back to you, and in about a year she will have a son.” Sarah denied it. “I did not laugh,” she said, because she was afraid. But He replied, “No, you did laugh.”

Sarah heard God’s promise for herself while eavesdropping. God fully intended for Sarah to hear so she would know this promise was for her. When she heard the news, she could not help but laugh. Could she really have a baby at such an old age? Would God’s promise really come after such a long time? It just seemed impossible and humorous to her.

God heard Sarah’s laugh and questioned Abraham. Sarah was so afraid that she denied her laugh. She really didn’t think anything was impossible for God, and she was afraid she had shown disrespect. God assured them, however, that He would visit again in about a year, and Sarah would have a son. Ironically, the name Isaac means, “laughter.” God has a sense of humor, too! The name was only appropriate since news of his coming made both Abraham and Sarah laugh. All the years of waiting, serving, hoping, doubting, and longing were coming to an end as God’s promise finally manifested in their lives. What a reason to laugh, shout, rejoice, and praise! A new day was dawning for them in their old age that could only be attributed to a divine encounter with God. Their story would lead others to place their faith in God as He built His nation through this son of promise. There was something very special about this baby, and no one could deny his miraculous birth.

When God begins to fulfill His promises in your life, you may think it is just too late. At this point, the only hope you have might be the fact that you know nothing is impossible with God. If you can’t do it and only God can, chances are it is time for your miracle to manifest. Don’t laugh at God; laugh with Him. Believe and receive His promises with full delight. His promises come with purpose, and you are blessed in the process. When He finally does move in your life, you can laugh at the years you waited as you see His plan unfold. You have an appointed time with God, and He will come back to you to fill your arms with joy!

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.