Central Truth

Our initial response when God show up in surprising ways can reveal much about the nature of our walk with Him. Is our initial reaction one of discouragement, unbelief, or joy?

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Reflections

Have you noticed that laughter isn't planned? When we laugh, it is frequently a reaction to something we think is funny. It just happens. When you think about it, we laugh for many reasons. Sometimes we laugh when we are uncomfortable in order to cut the tension. At other times, laughter might reveal cynicism or bad intentions.

The Bible provides examples of people who laughed when God showed up. Their laughter was often a barometer of what was really going on inside, especially when God showed up in an unexpected way. When God showed up in Abraham's life and promised that his wife, Sarah, would have a son, Sarah laughed (Genesis 18:12). Sarah's laughter revealed the doubt and disappointment of a woman who had waited for God to give her a son and who had now lost hope. She laughed the "laugh of discouragement." When God showed up again through the birth of Isaac (which literally means "he laughs"), Sarah laughed once more (Genesis 21:6). This time, her laughter was an expression of joy in the way God kept His promises to her. She laughed the "laugh of fulfilled hope."

God showed up in the life of Lot in a way Lot did not expect. God's decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah caught Lot and his family off guard, so much so that when Lot tried to warn his sons-in-law, they laughed. They thought it was a joke. They laughed the "laugh of unbelief."

When God shows up, our initial response reveals much about our walk with Him. While many of us may not laugh, we can certainly relate to feelings of discouragement, unbelief, and joy. When times are tough, my initial reaction to God can frequently be one of discouragement or unbelief. I get discouraged when I see the circumstances as being bigger than God. When I forget that my thoughts are not God's thoughts, I have trouble believing. Joy comes when, by God's grace, I am able to look beyond my circumstances and my own logic and see things as God sees them. What does your laughter reveal about you?

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Discussion Questions

1. Think of a time recently when God showed up in a way that you did not expect or was difficult. What was your initial reaction? What type of laugh would you have laughed?

2. What are some tools that God has given us to think His thoughts in the midst of surprises?

3. Is there a difficult situation you are now facing that seems bigger than God? Find a Bible passage that speaks to God being bigger than your circumstance and claim it as a promise.

4. Sarah laughed for joy when God fulfilled His promise to her. What are some ways we can experience joy in the process of waiting for an answer?

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