Life Journal, January 7, 2010
Today's readings: Genesis 18-19; Psalms 3; Luke 7

Inappropriate Laughing

Scripture

"Where is Sarah, your wife?" the visitors asked.

"She's inside the tent," Abraham replied.

Then one of them said, "I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!"

Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent. Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children. 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?"

Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, 'Can an old woman like me have a baby?' Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."

Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, "I didn't laugh."

But the Lord said, "No, you did laugh."

Genesis 18.9-15

Observation

Sarah didn't believe what the Lord was promising would happen.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Right now, I find that I am a lot more like Sarah than I would like to admit. I find that I am doubting and to cover it--laughing inappropriately. (That's what I do when I am uncomfortable--the nervous laugh thing.)

I want to believe--but it just seems impossible.

I've believed before . . . and it didn't happen (at least not my way and in my time).

So now, I'm laughing--not really the appropriate time for a laugh, but I don't know what else to do. Deep down inside I'm hoping, but at the same time I am afraid to believe.

So, what does that mean for today? Honestly, I'm not sure. I know what it should mean--but . . . . .

What I can hold on to is that even though Sarah laughed--He still did what He promised. That I will hold on to.

Prayer

Lord, You know I'm struggling right now. Forgive me and help my unbelief. I'm afraid to trust--even though I know that I can trust You and You alone. Thank You for Your patience with me. I'm trying, I really am. Please help me . . .