Genesis 21

In today’s reading from Genesis 21, Sarah, who was barren and struggled with infertility her entire life. Back then, there was a heavy social shame that came with having no kids; people often thought it was divine judgment. Suddenly, in her old age, she gives birth to Isaac at the very time God said it would happen. She’s 90; Abraham is 100. He’s an old man. In verse 6, Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.” Joy overcame Sarah; shame was gone. Has God ever hit you with unexpected joy?

In the challenge to read our bible this year, I’ve been trying to dig in. Trying to take my spiritual training seriously. I want to apply God’s word to my life. Just reading the Bible without applyihg it, allowing God’s transformation—that’s like putting gas in a wrecked car.

 I’ve been using the S.O.A.P. Bible study method. I’ve noticed all sorts of strange coincidences since I’ve started doing this. Coincidences can give you goose bumps, but coincidences from the Holy Spirit – give you truth bumps.

This past week, Rhonda and I were walking into Walmart. As we hurriedly walked into the store from the cold. You know how you walk pretty fast outside when it’s been this cold? We weren’t fooling around, but we were walking with our guard up; you never know what you might run into at Walmart when you’re running into Walmart.

I notice a chubby guy with Down syndrome, who looks to be in his early twenties, is walking out with a spring in his step. He has his sweat suit on, his hat kicked sideways, looking fresh.

He yells at me, “Hey Buddy!” His loud voice made me pause. He raises his hand over his head and brings it down to shake mine. I smile and, while shaking his hand, say, “How are you doing, young man?” He smiles and loudly says, “Good! How are you doing, OLD MAN!” Rhonda and I crack up. He and his Dad are cracking up.  Just like Sarah, I was hit with that unexpected laughter. On a cold night, in Walmart, God used a ‘young man’ to give an ‘old man’ exactly what he’d been reading about that morning.“

God is perfect, and his timing is perfect. He loves us and delights in our laughter.