NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

May 2 - Joy

Scripture focus: By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions. Hebrews 11:11-12 (The Message)

Do you remember the story in the Old Testament when Sarah laughed at God? God's representative came to remind Abraham and Sarah that a child would be born to them in their old age. Sarah had some doubts. She giggled. The angel said, "Hey, why do you laugh?" She said, "I didn't." He said, "Did too!"

Eventually, Sarah was surprised by joy – the joy of an unexpected and improbable pregnancy. Imagine her delight as she realized that God keeps his promises – even to little old ladies.

After the joy settled in, do you suppose Sarah then received a visit from fear? It couldn't have been easy enduring the physical stress of pregnancy late in life. I can't even guess at how those around her responded to her bulging belly. When my girlfriends and I get together, we talk about hot flashes and arthritis. Baby beds, bottles and breastfeeding are only mentioned in the context of grandchildren. Who was able to truly walk with Sarah through this birthing adventure?

I hope that Sarah was able to hold onto her joy during this miraculous experience, but it wouldn't be a stretch to presume that fear dogged her steps. Julian Sleigh talks about fear in his book Crisis Points: Working Through Personal Problems. He suggests that things that make "us shrink in fear and revulsion" might best be greeted as bearers of gifts hidden under their wings. "If we challenge them and make them yield up their gifts," he says, "they will be satisfied and will fly away, leaving us to benefit from what they brought."

According to Sleigh, it is not only possible, but highly recommended that we look for the gift within our fear and benefit from it. Afterwards, we'll be surprised by the joy that emerges from this fearful expectation of trusting in a God who keeps his promises.

Be joyful because it is humanly possible.

Wendell Berry

Recommended reading: John 4- 6

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