Genesis 17:15-22

“Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, ‘Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old?  Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?’” (Genesis 17:17, NRSV)

There is a saying that goes, “Do you want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans!” The converse is also true: We laugh when God tells us His plans! It is not usually laughter of delight, but laughter of incredulity.  “Lord, you’ve got to be kidding me!” For God’s plan often makes no sense; it isn’t logical; it defies conventional wisdom. Examples of this include our own little church growing, “impossible” reconciliation happening, or God using us to make a difference in a life or a situation, or nudging us towards a new ministry or vocation. Furthermore, God’s ways of working in these situations are His ways, not ours. It might seem hilarious to us to even entertain the notion that God can make something out of certain people and situations,(including ourselves!) but God seems to prefer using the unlikely to do the impossible. Just read the stories of the Bible! The supreme example of that is God deciding to rescue his world by showing up in our shape and form as a newborn baby. We shake our heads in wonder when we ponder this. Then we laugh; not in disbelief, but in joy. Since God has done that, then what can’t He do?!

God of the improbable and the impossible, forgive us for laughing when we get a hint of your plans for us or for our community of faith. Then give us the ability to trust you and the sense of humor to follow you where you wish to lead us.  Amen.

– Father Larry Parrish, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Falls City