Faith Filled Laughter

"Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, 'Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?'"  Genesis 17:17

"So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, 'After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?'" Genesis 18:12

Am I the only one who didn't notice before that both Abraham and Sarah laughed in response to the news of a promised child?  I was very familiar with both Sarah's laugh, and her reprimand, but I didn't recall Abraham laughing.  That has caused me to ponder.  Was their a difference in their laughter?  Why did Sarah receive rebuke while Abraham did not?

I think we'd all agree that we laugh for different reasons.  Sometimes we laugh from embarrassment. Often we give a slight chuckle as an answer when we're at a loss for words.  Stress can trigger laughter.  Fear can cause us to act in a giddy manner.  Laughter can spill over uncontrollably when we're overtired.  So what was the root of Abraham and Sarah's laughter?

At first glance it may appear that they were both laughing from a similar cause.  The announcement might have sparked the laughter, but their acknowledgement of it is quite different.  I believe Sarah laughed in impossible disbelief, while Abraham laughed in incredible belief.

God saw the laughter rising.  Sarah's birthed in doubtful suspicion.  Abraham's pregnant with delighted surprise.  One thought, 'this is preposterous', the other 'this is too glorious'.

Why do I feel they differentiated? First, Abraham fell facedown.  A beautiful act of worship.  Overcome by the magnitude of the promise he bows before the Lord.  Then, speaking of Abraham in Romans 4:20-21, I read, "He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform."

Yes, I believe Abraham's laughter pulverizes impossible while Sarah's magnifies doubt.

How do you respond when God speaks a Word to your heart?  Do you laugh unconsciously?  Does it spring from an overflow of trust or trepidation?  If God say's it, it's true.  Fall facedown and adore Him, letting any laughter that reaches heavenly ears sound glorious.