January 7

Too Good to be True

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 5:4-12 | Genesis 16:1 – 18:19 | Matthew 6:1-24 | Proverbs 2:1-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 16:1 – 18:19

Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:13-14 NIV).

How could she help but laugh?  It seemed too good to be true.  “So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘after I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?'”  She had longed for a child for many years. Now, well after her childbearing years were over, God promised that she would bear a son.

The promise had come earlier, of course (but it was impossible then too).  She had given up hope and had even come up with an alternative scenario (remember Hagar and Ishmael?). Abraham bargained with God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” But Ishmael was not God’s answer to the promise. 

Abraham and Sarah were promised a son, Isaac (meaning Laughter).  Indeed he would be the laughter of an old couple that had no hope of their own—a source of joy that only the God of the impossible could bring.

God said it best: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” How true. When confronted by the improbable, even the impossible, we too may laugh.  Often God’s promises seem too good to be true. But we serve a God who is able to do the improbable, even the impossible. Therefore the laughter should not come from doubt, but from the joy that flows from hope (Rom. 15:13).

Open your heart to the amazing possibilities that God has in mind for you. Find joy in your relationship with the God who promises you the improbable and does the impossible.

Almighty God, I stand amazed at your ability to do the impossible and your desire to use the improbable. May I always find laughter and joy in the process of seeing your will worked out in my life. Amen.