“For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him-whom Sarah bore to him-Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” She also said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.”
Genesis 21:2-7
Earlier Abraham and Sarah laughed at God when God promised them again and again the desire of their hearts, a son. Now we see that in the fullness of God’s timing He has brought about the fulfillment of that promise and Abraham and Sarah aren’t laughing at God…their laughing with Him. You see God knew their hearts, He saw their commitment and love to Him although at times they messed up and even doubted, God still brought about a reason to “Isaac” or literally translated “Laugh”.
You see, although at times it seems like the wait is unbearable and the joke is on you, God allows what seemed to be cruel and unusual punishment to turn into praise. Those things which made you cry will soon be taking on a new form and be the cause of joyful laughter.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…To comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:1-3
This prophecy from the prophet Isaiah was a word from God Himself declaring what His Son, Jesus Christ, “The Anointed One”, would come to do here in the lives of those who were feeling the effects that life here on earth often oppress us with. And as Isaac was promised to Abraham and Sarah, so too we have some promises in Jesus that are coming to fruition in our lives.
Where loss has made us mourn, Jesus will gain for us joy
Where situations have brought heaviness, Jesus will clothe you with praise
Where addictions have you imprisoned, Jesus will bring liberty
Where relationships broke your heart, Jesus will apply healing
Put your hope in the Lord, He’s on His way to deliver!
