It’s Not a Laughing Matter

As a teenager, I was invited to join a contemporary youth choir at my home church, St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Kitchener, Ontario. The dedicated leaders and members were very persistent with their invitations. I laughed to myself about being invited to sing in a youth choir. Obviously, they had no idea that I had auditioned for Glee Club at school and was the only student who didn’t make it.

Sarah laughed when she found out that she and Abraham were going to have a baby. The Lord seemed surprised and disappointed with her reaction (Genesis 18:13-14).

God sometimes gives us surprising news or invites us to unexpected challenges. If we’re caught off guard, our first reaction might be to laugh. God had great blessings planned for Sarah, Abraham and their descendants. God also had great blessings planned for me as I accepted the invitation to join the youth choir. The experience changed my life, even though I still can’t sing well.

Have you ever laughed at God’s request to do something that seemed impossible or ridiculous? If you accepted the invitation, did you feel God’s blessings along the way?

Lord of surprises, help me to move past my initial laughter (or tears) and trust that you have good things in store for me. Amen. — JW

Contributed by It’s Not a Laughing Matter

As a teenager, I was invited to join a contemporary youth choir at my home church, St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Kitchener, Ontario. The dedicated leaders and members were very persistent with their invitations. I laughed to myself about being invited to sing in a youth choir. Obviously, they had no idea that I had auditioned for Glee Club at school and was the only student who didn't make it. Sarah laughed when she found out that she and Abraham were going to have a baby. The Lord seemed surprised and disappointed with her reaction (Genesis 18:13-14). God sometimes gives us surprising news or invites us to unexpected challenges. If we're caught off guard, our first reaction might be to laugh. God had great blessings planned for Sarah, Abraham and their descendants. God also had great blessings planned for me as I accepted the invitation to join the youth choir. The experience changed my life, even though I still can't sing well. Have you ever laughed at God's request to do something that seemed impossible or ridiculous? If you accepted the invitation, did you feel God's blessings along the way?
Eternity for Today