“Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’ ”
– Genesis 21:6
 Abraham and Sarah waited over twenty-five years to receive God’s promise of their son. Yesterday, I shared the resulting joyous laughter due to their long wait with faith. She named the baby Isaac, which means “he laughs” in Hebrew. We can see that this name was chosen as a reminder of the joy and laughter that filled Sarah’s heart. As I read this story, I noticed that there are two kinds of laughter, both positive and negative. Here’s an example of negative laughter: When Jesus went into the room with the deceased 12-year-old and told the mourners that she was not dead; she was just sleeping, and everyone laughed and mocked Him.
Here’s what positive laughter looks like: What did the disciples and the 12-year-old girl’s parents do when Jesus reached down and picked her up, bringing air to her lungs and enabling her to stand up? The sincere laughter and amazement of those present was contagious because she was alive! Also, envision Sarah holding the promised baby she’s been dreaming about for so long. What does she do? She laughs exuberantly, and in Hebrew, this is also translated as “rejoice.” She is full of joy! Friend, continue to trust God, and don’t waver in your faith. It’s possible that you are in that place of negative laughter, mockery, and disbelief. As a result of being let down, you are brokenhearted. There can be a sense of frustration when you have unfinished symphonies and wish your life, job, or family were better. Perhaps, like Sarah and Abraham, you received a promise from the Bible and laughed at its impossibility. But just like Sarah, your life will be filled with joy and laughter as God’s promises are fulfilled! |
Prayer
Father, help me to continue to trust you and remain faithful to your promises.
Reflection
As God’s promises are fulfilled, have you been filled with joy and laughter?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
