Sarah is one of those women I would love to have lunch with, just chat, and ask, "How did you do it?" Here is a woman who was faithful to her God and her husband. We seem to think we carry so much today, and yesterday was much easier. I think Sarah would disagree with us there. Life was anything but easy. And as a woman who was barren, she carried pain with her, she suffered inside wanting a child so badly. Can you see her pain? But through her pain, she choose to believe, and God promised to fulfill. Genesis 21:1-7 "The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. And Abraham named their son Isaac. Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. And Sarah declared, God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet, I have given Abraham a son in his old age."We see God calling Abraham to pick up all they have and head out for a new nation. Abraham hears the call, and follows, but Sarah is right by his side. This had to be difficult to say the least. I have always wanted to live in another state, but what keeps us here is our family, friends and church. I can't imagine just picking up one day and not looking back, but that is exactly what they did. This was not just hop in the car, travel an afternoon and stay in a luxury hotel, and leave out in the morning. This was a journey that was not only long, but a journey of faith also. I think through this journey is where Sarah's faith increased.
Sarah was barren. She was wanting a child, and waiting on God. Her waiting continued for a long time. Sarah was ninety years old when she became pregnant. Okay, ladies, having a baby is hard enough at a young age, but at ninety! God blessed Sarah in her waiting.
Sarah lived to be one hundred and twenty seven years old. In all those years Sarah was a light to the world before her. One thing I love about Sarah is she was submissive. Not only to God, but to her husband. She was a mother, and one who carried great love for her family. I picture Sarah as the virtuous woman(Proverbs 31).
In 1 Peter 3:3-6 it says; "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. they trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do."
There is a key here in this verse. That we as women can lead in our home under our husbands just by allowing God to lead us. When we are obedient to God, others will see, and be blessed. When we are loving and respectful, our husbands will see the Lord moving through us, just as in Sarah when she was obedient to Abraham. First she was obedient to God.
There is much to learn from the women of the bible, and Sarah is one of those who stand out with grace and honor. In Romans 9:9 it tells us of God's promise. "For God had promised, I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son." God keeps His promises. We must learn to believe in Him at all times, even when all is quiet, even when struggles are in front of us. God's promises are true.
We can begin reading about Sarah in Genesis chapter 12 when Abraham receives his call. Even when Abraham struggled, Sarah stood by him in love. When Abraham was fearful of others finding out she was his wife, for fear they would kill him, and capture Sarah for her beauty, she stood by him as his sister. (Genesis 12:10-20 along with 20:1-18) Abraham was trying to protect Sarah, God protected Sarah and used her and Abraham in mighty ways. God shows Himself strong in our lives when we trust in Him and seek His ways.
This is a story of hope, faith, and love. When we believe as Sarah did, our faith is strengthened. As our faith is strengthened we begin to have a new found hope, and through that hope springs love, unconditional love.
