Laughter and Lineage

In the story found in Genesis, the three patriarchs of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) all had to deal with infertility. Their inability to have children was overcome by God's intervention on their behalf. This pattern showed the ancient Israelites who would be reading this story that their very existence as a nation was miraculous and dependent on God's intention. What we do with this story to find meaning in it for our situation as Christians in 21st century Canada requires us to think through the narrative unfolding throughout the Hebrew Bible. What do you see in this ancient story that can apply to us today?