Sometimes the Lord surprises in wonderful ways, like an expansive view opening up at the top of a hill, or an encouraging call from an old friend. But on certain occasions God jolts with goodness.

Sarah, the wife of Abraham, never could get pregnant. During a divine visit the Lord predicted that Sarah, well past the age of child-bearing, would hold her own baby in her arms one year hence. Sarah overheard the conversation and laughed bitterly. The Lord overheard her and called her on it, leaving her alone to ponder her thoughts.

Fast forward one year later:

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”

Isaac means he laughs. I love the choice of name, the irony a reminder of the goodness of the Lord. Although she was no saint, God turned Sarah’s disbelief and bitterness into unbelievable joy.

Perhaps God wants the same for you and me? Where might he turn bitterness into laughter? It’s worth taking time to think and ask and open ourselves to the unusual ways of the Lord.

Genesis 21 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Liane Metzler