Laughter in the face of the impossible defined Sarah’s life when she heard the Lord say she would have a child in her old age. Genesis 18:10 Then one of them said, “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!” [1] Although God had promised that Abraham and Sarah would have a son, she was long past the age of childbearing.
As Sarah heard those words, she laughed to herself, thinking that having a child was impossible. God’s plans are often beyond human expectations, and unbelief can be transformed into faith when we recognize God’s sovereignty. Genesis 18:13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord?[2]
Is Anything Too Hard for God?
Although we know that nothing is too hard for God, we may struggle to put that into practice in real life. The struggle that Sarah faced in trying to have a child is one that many couples also experience today. You may be praying for God to heal a relationship, an illness, to overcome an addiction, or another need that seems beyond your reach. Taking our impossibilities to God is humbling and can be an excellent step in growing in faith and dependence on Him.
During stormy times, we often realize the importance of faith and our relationship with God. God is aware of our doubts, but He invites us to understand His mighty power, just as He did with Sarah. As the Lord interacts with us, He continually calls us to grow our trust in Him. Reflecting on God’s intervention in our lives strengthens our faith in God’s love and propels us forward when we may doubt. Only the work of the Holy Spirit gives us the power to believe in impossible situations.
God is Faithful Despite our Doubts
Although Sarah laughed when she heard the Lord say she would have a child, this did not stop the Lord from remaining faithful. Doubt is a natural part of being human, especially when situations feel overwhelming. The issue isn’t about doubting God’s strength; it’s the challenge of trusting He will intervene for us.
I have certainly faced this struggle in my own life. There were moments when I had faith in God, yet I questioned whether He would alter my circumstances. Don’t hide doubt from God if you’re struggling with doubt today. Share it with Him. He isn’t upset by your questions or discouraged by your exhaustion. Pray sincerely and read God’s word, even when it feels unfulfilling. Worship even when you don’t feel like it.
Remember, even the disciples had doubts, as mentioned in Matthew 28:17. Yet, Jesus entrusted them with His mission and promised to always be with them. That’s the Savior we follow. To learn about laughter in the face of the impossible, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/laughter-and-doubt
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.