Faith Through Laughter
- Henley Samuel
- Nov 28, 2025
- 4 min read
November 28, 2025
Today, let's explore the beautiful truth that God's promises never expire, even when circumstances seem impossible. Through Abraham and Sarah's journey, we discover that our heavenly Father specializes in bringing life from what appears dead and fulfilling His word regardless of our doubts or limitations.
When God Changes Everything
God has a remarkable way of transforming our identity and destiny. Just as He changed Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, He gives us new names and new purposes that reflect His perfect plan for our lives. These name changes weren't just symbolic, they represented a complete transformation of identity and calling.
Abraham became "father of many nations" while Sarah became "princess" and "mother of nations." God was establishing something entirely new, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in their story. When God changes your name, He's declaring your future, not describing your past.
The Laughter of Doubt
Even after receiving God's promise, Abraham's response was quite human. When told that Sarah would bear a child at ninety years old, Abraham fell to the ground laughing. This wasn't gentle chuckling, he laughed so hard he collapsed, unable to control himself.
"Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, 'Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?'" - Genesis 17:17
Here was the future "father of faith" struggling with unbelief. Yet God didn't abandon him or change His mind. Instead, He patiently worked with Abraham, understanding that faith is often a journey rather than an instant destination.
God's Plan A Never Changes
Abraham tried to convince God to work through Ishmael, his Plan B. We often do the same, presenting God with our backup plans when His original promise seems delayed or impossible. But God's response was clear and unwavering.
"But God said, 'No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.'" - Genesis 17:19
God doesn't settle for our Plan B when He has a perfect Plan A prepared. He transforms our messes into blessings, but He won't compromise His perfect will for our limited understanding.
"God specializes in turning your mess into a blessing, bringing beauty from ashes."
The God Who Completes What He Starts
The most encouraging truth in this story is God's faithfulness to complete what He begins. Despite Abraham's laughter, despite Sarah's age, despite every natural impossibility, God remained committed to His promise.
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." - Philippians 1:6
When God starts something in your life, He doesn't abandon it halfway through. The same God who promised Abraham and Sarah a son at impossible ages is the same God working in your life today. What He has promised, He will perform.
Nothing Is Impossible
God chose to name their son Isaac, meaning "laughter", a beautiful reminder that what once seemed laughable to human understanding becomes a testimony of God's power. Your impossibilities are God's opportunities to display His glory.
"God calls things that are not as though they were, bringing life from death and hope from despair."
The medical impossibility didn't concern God. The advanced age didn't limit Him. The years of waiting didn't change His mind. When God speaks a promise over your life, He has already made provision for its fulfillment.
Conclusion
Today, remember that the God who fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah at ages 100 and 90 is the same God working in your life. Your circumstances may look impossible, your timeline may seem expired, but God's promises never have expiration dates. He who began a good work in you will complete it. Trust His perfect timing, embrace your new identity in Him, and prepare to see the impossible become possible.
Reflect on This
What "impossible" promise has God spoken over your life that you need to trust Him to fulfill?
How can you shift from presenting God with your Plan B to trusting His perfect Plan A for your situation?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You that Your promises never expire and Your timing is always perfect. I declare that what You have begun in my life, You will complete. I release my doubts and embrace Your perfect plan, knowing that nothing is impossible for You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes, preparing to bring forth the Isaac moments in my life. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for loving me through every season of waiting. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
God's promises remain valid regardless of natural circumstances or timing
Our doubts and laughter don't change God's commitment to His word
God prefers to work through His perfect Plan A rather than our backup plans
The same God who completed His work in Abraham will complete His work in us
What seems impossible to us is simply an opportunity for God to display His glory
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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.
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