Laughing with God

 Read Genesis 21-24

I love this story for so many reasons.  Let me share a few with you....

I love why they named the child Isaac, meaning "Laughter".  I love that Sarah laughed to herself in surprise when she heard the Lord tell Abraham that she would have a child within the year. (Genesis 18:10-15) I love that God KNEW she had laughed (showing His omniscience) and reported it to Abraham (just like a best friends teasing and harassing the wife). I even love that Sarah lied and said, "I didn't laugh" showing her respect and awe for the Lord.

Have you ever laughed with God? I remember a time that I did because of this actual Bible story. You see,  we have a son who took a test drug for leukemia. We were asked to be part of testing that new drug and we prayed over the decision fiercely, knowing what was at stake.  This disease or this drug could kill him. But, the decision was easily made once I remembered Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and trust God.  It was made even easier when I prayed to God, "Would you put your son through that?" and I remember laughing out loud as I realized what I had just asked God and realizing that I clearly knew that answer because He HAD put His son through a challenge, and one even worse.  When I realized that I had laughed outloud while talking to God, it put me right back to Sarah who laughed at the miracle God worked in her life. And I trusted Him to work a miracle in mine, as well.  I still laugh with my God whenever His Holy Spirit helps me think of connections like this while I read, study and pray!

I love the other parts of the reading, too.  I love how God followed up on His promise to Abraham and Sarah.  I love how God took care of Hagar, following up on His promises to her.  I love how God provided the real sacrifice for Abraham, so he wouldn't have to sacrifice his only son. Another reminder of what He would do in the world's future when He would sacrifice His one and only son for us.  It seems almost like a practice for that future event doesn't it.  Do you think the power He felt watching Abraham trust Him helped Jesus have the power to follow through when He had to be the sacrifice?  Do you think it was all the more difficult to watch knowing what would happen in this world later when He would be watching His own son going through it?  Do you think these things come to mind as He watches us go through our trials?  I do.  He know how it feels from every angle and He wants us to know---it is worth it.  When we see it from His angle, we will understand.

God, Thanks for providing laughter when there could be tears.  Thanks for providing hope when we don't understand.  Thanks for providing purpose when things look senseless.  We trust You, we believe You because You first loved us and You promised to always love us.  And we know You keep Your promises!