Title: AND THE LORD MADE ME LAUGH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 21:6
Supporting Texts: Psalm 126:1-3, Job 8:21, Luke 1:13-14
INTRODUCTION:
The joy of the Lord has the power to turn sorrow into laughter and despair into hope. When we look at the story of Sarah, we see a God who turned her years of barrenness into joy, so profound that she proclaimed, “God has made me laugh.” This message explores how God can make us laugh, filling our hearts with joy and giving us testimonies that transform lives.
1. LAUGHTER IN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATIONS
a) The Power of God Over Barrenness
God opens doors and removes obstacles that seem insurmountable (Genesis 18:14).
b) Hope Despite Delayed Promises
Even when promises seem delayed, God remains faithful to fulfil them (Habakkuk 2:3).
c) Turning Delay into Divine Appointment
God’s timing is perfect, bringing joy at the appointed time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
d) Testimonies from Divine Intervention
Our lives can become testimonies when God steps in (Psalm 40:1-3).
Biblical Example: Sarah’s Laughter – After waiting for years, God blessed Sarah with Isaac, making her laugh and filling her heart with joy (Genesis 21:1-6).
2. LAUGHTER IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY
a) God as Our Refuge and Strength
The Lord is our strength even when challenges arise (Psalm 46:1).
b) Divine Joy Amid Difficult Circumstances
God grants joy that surpasses the sorrow of trials (John 16:33).
c) Victory Over the Enemy’s Plans
God turns enemy schemes into opportunities for blessing (Genesis 50:20).
d) Trusting God for a Turnaround
Belief in God’s power to change our story leads to laughter (Romans 8:28).
Biblical Example: Job’s Restoration – Despite losing everything, God restored Job, replacing his sorrow with joy (Job 42:10-17).
3. LAUGHTER THROUGH SUPERNATURAL PROVISION
a) God’s Ability to Meet Every Need
God supplies all our needs in ways beyond our expectations (Philippians 4:19).
b) Abundance in Unexpected Places
God can bless us even in the wilderness or times of drought (Isaiah 41:18).
c) Blessings from Obedience and Faith
God rewards faithfulness, leading to joyous breakthroughs (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
d) Receiving God’s Overflowing Blessings
God’s blessings are more than enough to fill our hearts with laughter (Psalm 23:5).
Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath – God provided supernaturally during a famine, filling her home with joy (1 Kings 17:12-16).
4. LAUGHTER IN UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS
a) God Surprises His People with Goodness
God often blesses us in ways we do not expect (Ephesians 3:20).
b) The Joy of Receiving More Than We Ask
God’s generosity exceeds our requests and desires (James 1:17).
c) Turning Our Trials into Testimonies
God transforms difficult situations into blessings (Isaiah 61:7).
d) Receiving God’s Favour and Delight
God’s blessings bring joy that impacts our lives and others (Proverbs 10:22).
Biblical Example: Elizabeth and Zechariah – After years of barrenness, God blessed them with John, bringing joy and laughter (Luke 1:13-14).
5. LAUGHTER IN THE FULFILMENT OF DESTINY
a) God’s Purpose Prevails
God ensures the fulfilment of His purpose, no matter the opposition (Isaiah 14:27).
b) Joy in Fulfilling Our Divine Calling
Walking in God’s purpose fills us with unexplainable joy (Psalm 37:4).
c) God’s Timing Brings Lasting Joy
When God’s promises are fulfilled, our joy becomes full (John 16:24).
d) Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness
Fulfilling our destiny in God turns sorrow into rejoicing (Psalm 126:1-2).
Biblical Example: Joseph’s Destiny in Egypt – After years of hardship, Joseph fulfilled his destiny, finding joy and purpose (Genesis 50:20).
CONCLUSION:
The God we serve is a God who makes us laugh, turning our tears into joy and our trials into testimonies. Like Sarah, Job, and Elizabeth, we can trust that God has a plan that will fill our hearts with laughter. Whatever situation we face, we can have faith that God is able to transform it, bringing joy and fulfilment beyond our imagination.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from Your presence.
2. Father, turn every sorrow in my life into laughter.
3. Let me experience divine breakthroughs that bring joy and testimonies.
4. Turn every delay in my life into a divine appointment.
5. Father, let every adversity become a pathway to joy.
6. Provide for me in ways that will make me laugh with joy.
7. Surprise me, Lord, with blessings beyond my expectation.
8. Fulfil my destiny and let my heart rejoice in You.
9. Grant me the laughter of testimonies in every area of my life.
10. Lord, let my life be a source of joy and inspiration to others.
