Women of Faith: Sarah

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.

Women of Faith: Hannah

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.

Today we will focus on Hannah. This story begins in the book of 1 Samuel, the first chapter.

Hannah was married to Elkanah and he had two wives: Hannah & Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not have any children. Each year Elkanah would offer sacrifices for his wives and children but ensured that Hannah received a double portion because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb. Scripture states that her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This means that Peninnah (and maybe some others) belittled Hannah because she did not have any children.

This went on for years! Whenever Hannah went to church, her rival provoked her till she wept and could not eat. Could you imagine going to your place of solitude (church) and being persecuted? Crazy!

In 1 Samuel 1:8 it says “Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”.
Hannah prayed to God, weeping bitterly. She was authentic with her emotions and prayed to God because she wanted to have a child. In 1 Samuel 1:11 she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life”. That very night God opened her womb and she conceived Samuel.

Hannah's fervent prayer and vow teaches us that consistent faithfulness and persistent prayer get God's attention. She believed God for a son and He multiplied her faith by giving her many children.

Application
What are some areas on your life that you gave up praying about? Have you stopped walking in faith? It is time to pick back up and pray fervently for the things that God has promised you.

Check in next Saturday, as we discuss Deborah!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.

Women of Faith: Jochebed (Moses' Mother)

Hey FAMily! I am back like I never left! I missed blogging and connecting with you, so I decided since March is Women’s History Month – it would be a great time to come back. We will start with a series 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.

The Bible is FULL of women who showcased faith in times of adversity. This is a characteristic of a true trailblazer. Today we will focus on Moses’ mother – Jochebed. While preparing for this blog I had to ask myself – was her name ever mentioned in the Bible? I honestly couldn’t remember. The answer is YES! However, how many times do women make history and they are unsung heroes, names never mentioned, and they are never acknowledged for their contributions.

Jochebed took a major leap of faith and placed her newborn baby in a river because she stood on the promises of God. And like Jochebed, we, as women, do the same day in and day out. Mothers send their children off to school or daycare in the crazy world we live in. Entrepreneurs put their dreams and visions out for all to see, in hopes that others will respond and support. Professionals and students put their best efforts forward in hopes that they will reach their accomplishments.

Much like Jochebed we place our hearts into a basket, stand at the riverbed, and wait. Think about the emotions and feelings Jochebed had when she placed Moses down and had to back away. Imagine being her as she left him here alone in the water. Miriam (Moses’ sister) watched from a distant place on the shore, but Jochebed, his mother had to let him go.

The amazing thing is – God is faithful and meets us in our need just in the nick of time.

Exodus 2:5 says “Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself by the Nile, while her attendants were walking alongside the river, and she saw the basket among the reeds. She sent one of her attendants, took it”.

At that very instant, Miriam steps forward and approaches Pharaohs’ daughter and volunteers to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child, and whom did she come back with? Moses’ own mother. So Jochebed got her own child back, at least for a while. Like seriously? You cannot believe this was a coincidence. This was a DIVINE intervention and part of God’s plan.

You see, Jochebed’s name means, “Honor of God” or “God is glory”. God received the glory in the situation because it worked out in Jochebed’s favor. The truth is we need to  “Let it go and trust God” so that He gets all the glory.

Application
What are some areas of your life you need to stop holding on to and start trusting God? Is it your past? Are you walking in fear? In this year, I pray that you walk in faith like Jochebed and allow God to get the glory in YOUR life!

Check in next Saturday, as we discuss Hannah!

For His Glory Only,
XOXO
Danielle J.