Genesis 21:6 is the second time laughter is used in connections with the Birth of Isaac. The first time was in Genesis 18:10-12,
"Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Genesis 18:10-12 | NIV
We all know that laugher is good for the soul. But the first time Sarah laughs about the prophase of Isaac's birth is out of disbelief. However, the second time we read about Sarah laughing is out of her amazement and wonder. In fact, Sarah says, "God has brought me laughter..." Here Sarah is giving glory to God and is focusing on the creator, not the created. Whereas, in Genesis 18 Sarah is focused on the created and what she can see. Where are you? Are you focusing on the created, what you can see? Or the creator, what you cannot see?
"... and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6 | NIV
Do you find yourself wanting to laugh with Sarah? Most of us have heard this story for years, and perhaps the shock and awe has worn off. But what about in your own life, are you asking God for a miracle? During COVID our kids passports "expired" (were within the 6 months window before they 'officially' expire). This is a big deal when you live in a foreign country. The US Embassy was closed, and there was nothing we could do, but wait. Then we got word that one of our documents for our residence visa needed to be updated, and to do that we had to go to the USA. We knew we could get to the kids to the states, but we couldn't guarantee that they could return with us to Costa Rica.
Glenn and I talked and prayed about what to do. We felt lead to buy the tickets and trust in God's provision. In the middle of October, the embassy open up passport renewal appointments for about 24 hours. We were able to get all three kids appointments. Our kids passports should be ready next week. I know this does not compare with a 90 year old having a baby. But it was my own experience of Genesis 18:14a,
" Is anything too hard for the Lord? ...” Genesis 18:14a | NIV
Trusting in God perfect timing stretches us. It is hard to actively wait for God to work in a situation, and we often wish God would work instantly. We know from the scriptures and from our own experience that God does hear us. Sometimes his answer is 'yes', other times it is 'no', but almost always it is wait. And it is in that waiting we have the opportunity to learn on to trust him, listen to him, and to become more like him. What are you waiting for? Are you able to give glory to God, even during the waiting?
We want you to know that we are grateful for you. We are thankful for your friendship, partnership, and support. It's been another beautifully hard year, and we are so grateful to do this ministry within our global community. Our job responsibilities have changed and adapted due to COVID, and it has been beautiful to see how God has work through the pandemic and in spite of the pandemic. Here are a few resources we wanted to make available to you. Please take 5 minutes and watch this short video updating the North American church on the Latin American church. Also, Nikki Roller creates prayer guides each month for Latin America, so I've included Novembers Prayer Guide for you as well. We've also included a graph of one way God is multiplying your prayers and financial gifts.
