Have you ever looked around and said, “This don’t make no sense.” Yes, I know this isn’t grammatically correct, but it’s how the words come out sometimes. You go to a restaurant for a shake and you’re informed that the ice cream machine isn’t working. That’s right, don’t make no sense. Or you ask for a raise and you hear there’s no room in the budget, but the one at the top makes 6 figures. Makes no sense. Even still you’re having a conversation calmly explaining your perspective and the other person yells and hangs up. Surely, this makes no sense. There appears to be no rhyme or reason. Some of this madness you can brush off while others have you perplexed. What do you do when it doesn’t make sense?
The Story: Genesis 18:1-15 NLT
In Genesis 18:1-15, the Lord appeared in human form along with two others and visited Abraham. Upon their arrival, Abraham bowed before them and offered to refresh them for their journey. He told Sarah to cook bread while he obtained a calf from the herd. Once the meal was prepared, the guests ate. When they finished their meal, they inquired about the whereabouts of Sarah. Abraham advised that she was in the tent. The Lord said that He would return next year and she would have a son.
As Sarah listed to the conversation from inside the tent, she laughed within herself. because she was well past childbearing years and Abraham was quite old. The Lord heard her laugh and asked Abraham about her laughter. He admonished that nothing was too hard for Him. Although Sarah denied laughing, the Lord knew what she did.
The Lesson
I want to start by giving Sarah the benefit of the doubt. Anyone in her position would laugh and even say, “It doesn’t make sense.” How could she and Abraham have a baby – a son at that? Their age would lead one to believe that they weren’t sexually active. Even if they were, she definitely wasn’t having a monthly visitor. Even the Bible said, she was “long past the age of having children.” So, her laughter was the natural response.
However, there’s a God who determines what’s natural since He’s the Creator of everything (Genesis 1). Who thinks of joy in the midst of sorrow? God does (John 16:20). How can beauty reside in ashes? God knows (Isaiah 61:3). How can purpose come from pain? God has a plan (Romans 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 4:17). Isaiah 55:8 confirms that His ways are not like ours and neither are His thoughts. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense, but it’s right up His alley. Watch Him do the unbelievable (Genesis 21).
So what do we do when it doesn’t make sense? Take it to God, who knows everything. Pray about it. Admit that you’re having a Sarah moment because it doesn’t make sense. Then relinquish your will for His will. Conclude that you will function and respond like Mary. Nevertheless be it done unto me according to Thy word (Luke 1:38).
I know this stance is challenging because I’ve had moments of laughter. However, I know that God has a plan and He knows better than I. So join me in submitting to God even though it doesn’t make sense.
