The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Letting Faith Overcome Fear

Tom Graves

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September 3, 2025

Letting faith overcome fear is an experience that every believer wrestles with as God continually stretches our faith. Fear clouds judgment and erodes trust in God, fueling doubt and serving as a weapon of the devil. Although fear may obscure our judgment, trusting in the Lord’s strength equips us to conquer our anxieties. As we follow God’s calling, He teaches us about His faithfulness and how He helps us overcome obstacles, enabling us to grow in faith.

If you are wrestling with fear, the Lord wants to remind you to look to Him. When the Lord asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, it must have compelled him to reflect deeply on what God was asking of him. It is often during these moments of reflection that the enemy seeks to exploit our fear, using it to hinder our obedience to God. It is in these instances that God’s word provides encouragement and strength. Hebrews 11:1Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.[1]

Abraham Acted on His Faith

It would have been easy for Abraham to give in to fear when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. He was to be the son of the promise and the beginning of descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abraham could have come up with many excuses to disobey God, but he did not. I believe in many ways, Abraham was fearful, but he did not let those fears control him. Instead, Abraham walked by faith, with God giving him the strength to obey. 

Think about what was going through Abraham’s mind as they traveled the final part of the journey to the land of Moriah. Genesis 22:9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice.[2]

David discussed fear in the 23rd Psalm, illustrating where our strength originates to become overcomers. Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. [3]

Faith Overpowers Fear

God is so much bigger than any fear! Whether our fears seem big or small, God is always greater. He’s right by your side, ready to help you confront your fears and protect you when you feel at your weakest. His strength surpasses anything we encounter here on earth.

 Remember, He has placed you in this season for a beautiful reason, and He’s here to support you through it. Look to the Lord and trust that He will always guide you. After all, He is the Creator of the universe, capable of performing miracles, and He can help you navigate both our fears and the challenging seasons of life.

To learn more about letting faith overcome fear, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-beyond-understanding

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Being Reassured When You Don’t Understand

Tom Graves

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September 2, 2025

There is something monumental about being reassured when you don’t understand, which can have a profound impact on your life. When I was seven years old, my grandmother died, which was the first time I experienced the loss of someone I loved. At that age, you don’t understand much about life, but my mother assured me that grandma had gone to heaven and that she was fine. For me, that reassurance had a significant impact, knowing Grandma was alright. Like me, perhaps you have experienced a significant time in your life when you needed reassurance during moments of confusion. 

Isaac Received Reassurance

When the Lord asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, he quickly obeyed, not fully realizing the impact this journey would have on him as well as Isaac. As they journeyed to Mt. Moriah, Abraham took chopped wood for a burnt offering, along with the fire and a knife. On the third day of the journey, Abraham told the two servants accompanying him that he and Isaac would travel a little further, worship, and then return. 

Genesis 22:6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together.[1] The image of Abraham and Isaac walking together offers us a glimpse into their relationship. As the story unfolds, you begin to see the trust Abraham has in God and the trust Isaac has in his earthly father.

As Abraham and Isaac make the final leg of their journey, Isaac asks his father a significant question. Genesis 22:7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” 8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together. [2] With the assurance from his father that God will provide, both father and son walk together again.

Where Do You Need Reassurance When You Don’t Understand?

As believers, when challenging circumstances arise, we may not have answers as to why, but we trust that God will work everything out, even when we don’t fully understand.  Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” [3]

Today, you may feel weary and need God’s reassurance because what is happening in your life doesn’t make sense. Rest assured, the Lord is walking with you, hears your prayers, and will work everything out according to His plan. As the Lord reassures you, take His hand and continue walking together along your faith journey.

To learn more about being reassured when you don’t understand, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-beyond-understanding

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Trusting the Promises and Not the Explanation

Paula K. Graves

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September 1, 2025

We can see that Abraham was trusting the promises and the explanation in God’s test. Genesis 22: 2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” [1] This was a simple command with no explanation provided as to why.

God had given Abraham the threefold promises of generations, land, and to be a blessing to be a blessing multiple times since calling him out of Ur. Abraham had experienced the birth of a miracle baby at the age of 100, and now God was calling him to sacrifice Isaac. It made no sense. Abraham and Sarah were now far over the age of 100. Would God give them another son to fulfill the covenant? Besides, only pagans sacrificed humans, not the followers of the one true God.

Why, God?

Often, in our human nature, the first thing we ask in a trial is “Why God?” We want God to explain everything, but we must also remember that even if He explained it, we may still not understand. God always has His reasons.

The Lord may send trials to purify our faith. 1 Peter 1: 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.[2]

God can even send a trial to us to prevent us from sinning as He did to Paul. 2 Corinthians 12: So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.[3]

It is easy to speak words of faith but much more challenging to act on them. Are we willing to trust that God is loving and has our best interest in mind when the situation doesn’t make sense?

God’s Will Doesn’t Contradict His Promises

By this time in His life, Abraham had journeyed with the Lord for almost fifty years. He knew God’s character through experience. God had blessed him with wealth and family. Abraham had not always been faithful, but God was. He knew God’s will would not contradict the promises he had received. So, Abraham simply did as God instructed and left the future in God’s hands. That is what you call faith.

How could Abraham possibly reconcile Isaac as the future of the covenant and the request to sacrifice him? Hebrews 11: 17 It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, 18 even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” 19 Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead. [4]

Abraham is our model for trusting the promises and not the explanation. God may not choose to reveal the reason for our trials, but we can still trust His promises. The Lord promises to be with us always. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. God promises to forgive us when we repent, which establishes a relationship with Him that lasts forever.

To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-beyond-understanding

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

When Our Faith is Tested

Paula K. Graves

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August 31, 2025

When our faith is tested, it can be a confusing time. Why would God test us? God, of course, knows all, but we have blind spots. We won’t know where we are spiritually unless God tests us. God knows each of us and designs the tests in a way that will help us grow.

Abraham had been on a faith journey and experienced tests in the past. Some tests Abraham had failed. He didn’t trust God to provide, so he went to Egypt. Twice, out of fear, he claimed Sarah as his sister, which put the covenant at risk. He and Sarah had a human plan to get a son, which resulted in Ishmael. Other tests he passed, such as leaving Ur, giving Lot first choice of land, and sending Ishmael away. All these tests helped Abraham mature in his faith.

Temptation or Trial?

Not all our difficulties are a test from God. We must be able to discern between a temptation and a trial. Satan sends temptations to harm our relationship with God. These may seem reasonable, but in the end, they will lead us away from God. At times, our difficulties are due to disobedience or are just a part of this sinful world. God gives tests that may seem unreasonable, but they will draw us closer to God and grow our faith.

God gave Abraham a severe test, pushing the limits of logic and Abraham’s understanding of God’s character. Genesis 22:1Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.

“Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”

2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” [1]

Abraham had already given up his son Ishmael, and now God was asking him to give up Isaac, the son of the covenant. Isaac was Abraham’s most precious possession; would he be willing to give him up?

Tests Are an Opportunity

When our faith is tested, it reveals that God wants us to deepen our faith. James 1: 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. [2]

God’s test of Abraham brought him to the peak of his faith journey. Where does God want to grow your faith? What surprising test lies ahead that will be an opportunity for joy?

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-beyond-understanding

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God Works Through Sinners

Tom Graves

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August 30, 2025

God works through sinners, revealing His patience and compassion. Have you ever felt unworthy when God used you in some way during your Christian life? If so, you are not alone! God doesn’t need our help in the world, but He chooses to work with us nonetheless. This can be puzzling to some until they read God’s word. The Lord desires to engage us in His work, helping us learn about Him and our purpose in the world. 

God commanded Noah to build the Ark to save his family, yet he became drunk on wine shortly after they began a new life following the flood. Jonah fled from God when called to go to Nineveh to preach against their sin. It took a massive storm, being thrown overboard, and being swallowed by a large fish before he reconsidered his mission. Peter denied Jesus three times the day before the crucifixion. Paul calls himself the least of the Apostles because, before his conversion, he persecuted the church. Abraham is a person of great faith, but he grew impatient while waiting for the child the Lord promised. As they aged, Sarah suggested having a child with Hagar, their servant, and he agreed.

Sinners are on a Journey of Faith

For believers in Jesus, life is marked by both ups and downs. I wish my faith journey was always on a linear path upward, but it is not. There have been times when I felt stagnant, yet other times I made great strides. When I was a young pastor, I had much to learn; unfortunately, you don’t start as a seasoned pastor. Over time, the Lord grinds the rough edges off us as He refines us, but this process is not just a one-year endeavor; instead, it spans our entire lifetime.

Paul gives us advice for our faith journey. Romans 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [1] When we are young in our faith, we may not be overly concerned about God’s will, yet God patiently continues to work. In God’s mercy, He gives us the Holy Spirit, our constant companion, to guide us, reveal truths to us, and convict us of sin.

Abraham Was a Father at Age 100

At the old age of one hundred, God began a new chapter in the life of Abraham when their son Isaac was born. After years of refinement, God continued to work with a sinner like Abraham, just as He works with us in our lives.

Regardless of your age, God wants to work through you to transform you and make a difference in the world. I have known first graders who lead people to faith and elderly individuals who are vibrant prayer warriors. As the body of Christ, we are imperfect, but with God working in and through us, we can accomplish the plans He has for us. 

God works through sinners, to find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ro 12:2). Tyndale House Publishers.

Provision During Desperation

Paula K. Graves

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August 29, 2025

Hagar and Ishmael experienced God’s provision during desperation. Abraham had sent them away because Ishmael had become a threat to Isaac. While Abraham had sent some provisions, they were gone, and their situation was life-threatening.

Genesis 21: 17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18 Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”

19 Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink.

20 And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, 21 and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt. [1]

Provision Revealed

Water is essential in the desert, and the first thing God did was open Hagar’s eyes to a well nearby. Now, people often cover desert wells to prevent them from evaporating. Did Hagar see past a cover, or did God supernaturally create a well there? We don’t know, but either way, God provided water and opened Hagar’s eyes to it.

God continues to reveal the necessary provisions even today. Jeremiah 33: 2 “This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: 3 Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.[2] God can reveal things because He is the Creator. Many times, God enlightens us to use what we have readily available, just as Hagar did.

 His Presence Guides

God was with Ishmael as he grew up in the wilderness. Even though Ishmael was not the inheritor of the covenant, God had promised Abraham that He would provide for the child. Genesis 17:20 As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.[3]

Genesis 21: 13 But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.” [4]  Genesis 25: 16 These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to the places they settled and camped. 17 Ishmael lived for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death.[5] Ishmael and Hagar survived their desert experience. Ishmael became a talented archer and the father of twelve tribes. God had unique plans for Ishmael and has plans for each of us. He hears our cries and gives provision during desperation. Deuteronomy 31: 6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.[6] To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

God Responds to Our Cries

Tom Graves

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August 28, 2025

God responds to our cries because He loves and cares for us. Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. 6 Perhaps there was a significant time in your life when you cried out to the Lord, or you might be experiencing that now. There is something profound about crying out to the Lord in our desperation that makes our faith feel real in a way it may not have before.

This is what Hagar, a servant of Abraham and Sarah, experienced when she became a surrogate mother for Sarah. Tensions were high between the women, and Hagar ran away. While struggling in the desert, the angel of the Lord came with instructions.

Genesis 16: 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority…” 11 And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress.[1] Hagar was able to return with the message that God is a God who hears.

Seventeen Years Later

God was faithful, and Abraham and Sarah had a child in their old age when Sarah was well beyond the age of childbearing. They marked Isaac’s weaning with a celebration. At that time, Ishmael, now a teenager, began to tease Isaac. Sarah then demanded that Abraham banish Hagar and her son, which he did.

 Hagar found herself again in the harsh desert conditions, and their situation was dire. She seems to have forgotten the experience of God hearing her in the desert the first time. Genesis 21: 15 When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. 16 Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die,” she said, as she burst into tears. [2]

God Still Hears

God had named Hagar’s son Ishmael, which means “God hears.” That name was prophetic as this is precisely what happened. Genesis 21:17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18 Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” [3]

Still today, God responds to our cries. 1 John 5: 14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. [4] As our faith in God matures, we can come to understand what pleases Him. Jesus came to die and pay the price for our sins, which enables us to have a relationship with the God who hears.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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Trust God’s Plan

Paula K. Graves

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August 27, 2025

Earlier, Sarah and Abraham had lacked trust in God’s plan. Since Sarah had not become pregnant, she had her maid act as a surrogate for her. Ishmael was born as a result of that decision. Now, they were experiencing the consequences.

Genesis 21: 9 But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac. 10 So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!”

11 This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. 12 But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. 13 But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.”

14 So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son. [1]

Interfering With God’s Plan

Ishmael, who is probably seventeen at this time, is making fun of Isaac. The Hebrew word translated as “making fun” is never used to describe harmless play and indicates repetitive action.[2] Sarah recognized the threat Ishmael and Hagar were becoming to Isaac, the son of the covenant.

Paul commented on this in the New Testament. Galatians 4: 29 But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit. 30 But what do the Scriptures say about that? “Get rid of the slave and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the inheritance with the free woman’s son.[3]

Divine Intervention

Understandably, as a father to Ishmael, Abraham’s emotional connection blinded him to the truth Sarah saw. It took God’s intervention to tell Abraham to follow Sarah’s directions. What made it even more difficult was that Sarah’s request was also against the customs of his day. To his credit, Abraham obeyed but did so with tenderness.

As with Abraham, there are times when we struggle to trust God. Sometimes, life doesn’t make sense, and we think we must “help” God. Often, we find out it didn’t work the way we expected, and we have more problems. Thankfully, we have a faithful God who loves us and will forgive us because of what Jesus has done for us. These negative experiences can become learning opportunities for us.

Isaiah 41:9b For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. [4] Trust in God’s plan. To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives

[1,3,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Smith, J. E. (1993). The Pentateuch (2nd ed., p. 157). College Press Pub. Co.

Navigating Life’s Trials

Tom Graves

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August 26, 2025

Navigating life’s trials can present significant challenges, but they can also offer growth opportunities. Perhaps you are currently in the middle of a trial or have experienced one in the past. There is something about trials that alters our perspective in ways we cannot fully understand otherwise. 

My sister’s family faced a time of great hardship when their son passed away from cancer. While dealing with that challenge, her husband was also diagnosed with cancer. Only by having faith in Jesus can we navigate through such storms, confident that He is our anchor and is always with us. 

Hagar Finds Herself in a Great Trial

Hagar was a servant of Abraham and Sarah, whom they had acquired while they were in Egypt. God had promised Abraham and Sarah a child, but as they grew older, their faith in the Lord wavered. Sarah suggested that Abraham take Hagar as a wife and have a child with her, and he agreed. Although this was not God’s plan, Hagar became pregnant. Then, a jealous Sarah mistreated Hagar, and she ran away. But the Lord intervened, urging Hagar to return to Abraham and Sarah, which she did.

Later, the Lord remained faithful to His promise and enabled Abraham and Sarah to have a child in their old age, whom they named Isaac. Now, just over a decade has passed, and more hostility has arisen between Sarah and Hagar. Genesis 21:8 When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. 9 But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac. 10 So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!” [1]  

Navigating Challenges With God’s Guidance

Family discord can be a difficult trial. But remember the Lord is always present when we call upon Him in our time of need. It doesn’t matter whether our trials are self-inflicted or the result of circumstances beyond our control. Desperation has a way of humbling us, revealing what is most important in life. Psalm 46:1God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [2]

It may be hard to see, but God’s goodness shines through, even in our most challenging moments. It might feel like God is nowhere to be found when we face difficulties, but He is always by our side. He has an excellent plan for both the good times and the hard times we experience. By changing our perspective, we can discover His goodness, even during life’s challenging situations.

 Through these experiences, Hagar experienced God’s caring hand while navigating life’s trials. I don’t know how it changed her, but I do know that if we let God guide our hearts, He will transform us. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Laughter in God’s Timing

Paula K. Graves

no comments

August 25, 2025

We can see laughter in God’s timing of Isaac’s birth. God had promised Abraham would have many descendants. When no child came for years, Sarah had her maid be a surrogate mother. Yet, that was not God’s will, and God promised Sarah would have a child. Genesis 17: 15 Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah. 16 And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.” [1]

God had just renamed Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (Father of multitudes). Yet, Abraham laughed when God told him Sarah would have a child. When God visited Abraham and Sarah, He told them they would have a child within a year. Sarah laughed at that. Genesis 18: 12 So she laughed silently to herself and said, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?” [2]

God had named this miracle son even before conception. Genesis 17: 19 But God replied, “No—Sarah, your wife, will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac.[3] This name sounds like the Hebrew word for “he laughs.” We think there may have been over twenty years between the first mention of many descendants and the birth of Isaac. That is a long time to wait, but it happened in God’s timing.

Humor in God’s Timing

God’s timing in our story demonstrated to all involved that He was responsible for the birth of Isaac. No human could take credit for this miracle baby. Not only had there been laughter during the prophecy of Isaac’s birth, but there was more laughter as a result of his birth.

Genesis 21: 3 And Abraham named their son Isaac. 4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.

6 And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. 7 Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” [4]

It was laughable that a man aged 100 and a woman aged 90 had a baby. God does have a sense of humor. Plus, Isaac would have brought much joy to his parents.

God’s Timing in Our Lives

We can trust the timing and faithfulness of God. Isaiah 49: 8 This is what the Lord says: “At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. [5]  His timing is often not ours because He sees the big picture that we can’t. We must trust His goodness. He sent Jesus at just the right time for us.

Galatians 4: 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. [6]

To learn more about laughter in God’s timing, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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