Laughing faith

Rev Ricky Ho

Genesis 18:1-15

6 Sept 2009

*Research shown health benefits of laughter
*Connects us with others
*Humour is infectious

Laughter is the best medicine
*relaxes the whole body
*boosts the immune system
*triggers the release of endorphins
*protects the heart

Proverbs 17:23

A cheerful heart is good medicine
Stressful life in 21st century seems to be taking a toll on our faith
*Sarah laugh the laughter of doubt
compared to the laughter of faith

*Abraham and Sarah laugh in doubt
*all the various times in their journey, God reaffirmed the promise to Abraham by a covenant..yet Abraham also laughed
*Like Abraham and Sarah, we often don't admit we have doubt about things

Issac = laughter

*We feel we are suppose to be people of faith
*These days, what makes you laugh in doubt?
don't worry, God can help you
*It could be family, employment, finances, health concerns or a complicated combination of several things
*When asked "Is anything too hard, we quickly answer, "No, nothing is too hard for the Lord but we live in God"

2. Recognize the Heart of Matter
*Though we believe but we do not think it applies to us.

*Ask yourself, is this day in my life too hard for God?
*Is this habit I'm trying to break too hard for him?
*Is this a communication problem I'm having too hard for God?

*In this way, it reminds you that God i personally involved in your life and nudges you to ask for his power to help you

3. Making the transition to laughing faith
*Sarah is a picture of growing faith, not overnight faith
*How does Sarah go from laughing skeptically to laughing, joyfully

Psalm 5:3 you hear my voice in the morning; at sunrise I offer my prayer and wait for your answer

What is preventing you from having a laughing, confident faith today?
Are you getting your eyes on the overwhelming problem you are talking about?

Jeremiah 32:17 and 27 Sovereign Lord, you made the earth and the sky by your great power abnd might; nothing is too difficult for you..."I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Nothing is too difficult for me.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**