Happy Saturday FAMily! We are still on the journey that correlates with the Bible Reading Challenge of this month which is “Women of Faith”.
What’s the Definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (NIV). Faith is truly about believing without seeing.
Sarah (formerly Sarai) was from a city which is modern day Iraq, and was married to Abraham (formerly Abram). After the death of Abraham’s brother, Sarah and Abraham adopted his son Lot. Sarah was barren (Genesis 11:30) so having Lot in the family provided her with the opportunity to still be a mother. In those times, if a woman was not able to produce children on her own, it was seen as a a sign that there was something in the woman’s life that caused God not to bless her. Of course, this brought on feelings of shame and despair.
Since Sarah could not produce a child for Abraham, she made a decision that would affect all of humanity. She decided to give Hagar, her maid, to Abraham to produce a child. Abraham accepted Sarah’s offer and the result was the birth of Ishmael. With the pregnancy, Hagar despised Sarah and Sarah became jealous and harsh with Hagar. Hagar then left and went into the wilderness.
So you’re probably like - ummm … where is the faith in that?
It is after this sin that Sarah and Abraham have an encounter with God which produces their name change. Due to their repentance and renewed faith, God blessed Sarah with the birth of Isaac. It did not step there - God would also make her “a mother of nations” and “kings of people” would come from her descendants.
My favorite recap of this story (and amazing verse) is found in Hebrews 11:11 "And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise".
Sarah demonstrated faith and obedience while believing God's promises. She left her comfortable and familiar surroundings to launch her journey with God.
Application
What are some dead situations in your life that you have given up on faith? Are there any areas in your life that you know you need to give to God? Have the faith to get up, repent and move forward in faith as Sarah did.
Thank you for going on this journey with me to discuss “Women in Faith”! Hope you enjoyed it.
For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
