February 22 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

We cannot suppress the question why this child of the promise had to come in such an impossible, almost ridiculous way. Why this burden for all those years? Why not a child in the normal, joyful way?

Very seldom does God answer this type of question. In John 9 we find the story of the man who was born blind. There Jesus answers the "Why?" of the disciples by saying that the work of God must be revealed. Even when God gives an explanation, he makes it clear that it is not the explanation that counts; it is God himself who makes the difference.

In other words, it is not God's purpose that we should know the answer to the riddles of our lives. In these perplexing matters, we will not receive an answer to our "Why?" But we will find God.

God does not want to be understood so that we will find out his reasons. God wants to be believed, so that he remains God. God gave no explanation to Abraham and Sarah. God wanted to give them more than an explanation: he wanted to give himself.

When spring came, Sarah bowed herself over the child of the promise. Then she spoke words that reflected her most intimate joy in the Lord. When she pressed her son to her breast, she herself found rest in the heart of God. Isaac! Laughter! All her bitterness and doubt melted in the laughter that God has prepared for all who hope steadfastly in his promise.

Take courage. We may have to sow with tears, but we shall reap with joy. The God of wisdom and of might gave a son to Sarah and a child to the virgin. God is faithful. Therefore the end will be laughter.

REFLECTIONS

Where has God recently brought "laughter" into your life?

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.