Sarah: The Wife of Abraham and Mother of Nations
Share Me
The story of Sarah, the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, is one of faith, struggle, and redemption. Sarah, originally named Sarai, is a central figure in the Bible who plays a pivotal role in God’s unfolding plan for the nations.
Through her, God promises to create a multitude of descendants, making her a mother of nations. Yet, Sarah’s journey is not without its challenges—there are moments of doubt, impatience, and fear.
Despite her struggles, Sarah’s faith serves as an example for all believers of the importance of trusting in God’s timing and promises.
1. Who Was Sarah?
Sarah’s story begins in Genesis 11:27-31, where we learn that she was the wife of Abraham (originally Abram), and together they left their home in Ur of the Chaldeans to journey to Canaan in response to God’s call.
Sarah’s background as a woman of faith began in a culture steeped in idol worship, yet she chose to follow her husband in obedience to God. Her life was about to take a remarkable turn as God made her a part of His divine plan.
Download Our Free Workbook For A Deeper Dive
Sarah’s Role in the Covenant
When God first called Abraham to leave his homeland, He made an incredible promise: Abraham would become the father of a great nation. But this promise wasn’t limited to Abraham alone; Sarah was included.
Genesis 17:15-16 records God’s covenant with Sarah: “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”
Sarah’s role in this promise was clear: she was to be the mother of nations, a promise that would transcend her and Abraham’s lifetime. God’s plan was to fulfill His promise through Sarah’s lineage, which would eventually lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham.
2. Sarah’s Struggles with Faith and Waiting
The Promise of a Son
When God first promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, Sarah was already past childbearing age. In Genesis 17:17, when Sarah overheard God’s promise to Abraham that she would bear a son, she laughed at the thought, saying, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Sarah’s doubt seemed natural given her age, and it mirrored her feelings of helplessness about ever bearing children.
Taking Matters into Her Own Hands
As the years passed and Sarah still had not conceived, she became impatient with God’s promise. In Genesis 16:1-2, Sarah suggested that Abraham have a child with her maidservant, Hagar, to fulfill God’s promise. Sarah’s plan was to build her family through Hagar, and Abraham agreed to her idea. Hagar became pregnant and gave birth to Ishmael, but this decision caused tension and heartache in Sarah’s household.
Sarah’s impatience and doubt led to complications that could have been avoided had she waited on God’s timing. Yet, God’s story does not end in failure. Instead, His patience with Sarah and Abraham would lead to a miraculous fulfillment of His promise.
3. God’s Fulfillment of His Promise
The Birth of Isaac
God’s promise to Sarah and Abraham was fulfilled in Genesis 21:1-3, when Sarah miraculously conceived and bore a son, Isaac, at the age of 90. This was an act of divine intervention, a clear sign that God is faithful to His promises, even when human limitations seem insurmountable. Isaac’s birth was not just a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, but a symbol of God’s faithfulness and power.
Sarah’s joy is evident in her declaration in Genesis 21:6: “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” What began as laughter of doubt now became laughter of joy, as Sarah saw God’s miraculous power in her life.
Sarah’s Laughter
Sarah’s initial laughter was born of skepticism, but after Isaac’s birth, her laughter became an expression of the joy and astonishment she felt at God’s provision. Genesis 18:12 records her laugh in disbelief when hearing the promise that she would bear a child, but by the time Isaac was born, her laughter represented something more profound: the realization that God’s timing is always perfect, even when it seems impossible.
4. Lessons from Sarah’s Life
1. Trusting in God’s Timing
One of the key lessons from Sarah’s life is the importance of trusting in God’s timing. When Sarah and Abraham were faced with the possibility of childlessness, they made decisions based on their understanding of the situation. Yet, God’s plan was far greater than they could have imagined, and His timing was perfect. Psalm 27:14 reminds us, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
2. The Power of Obedience
Sarah’s story also teaches us about the power of obedience. Despite the struggles she faced, Sarah continued to follow her husband Abraham and trusted in God’s direction. Her obedience, though imperfect, ultimately led to God fulfilling His promise. Even when things seemed hopeless, she chose to remain faithful to the journey God had set before her.
3. God’s Faithfulness
Even when Sarah’s faith faltered, God remained faithful to His promises. 2 Timothy 2:13 reminds us, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” Sarah’s story shows that God will fulfill His promises regardless of our doubts and imperfections.
4. The Struggles of Waiting
Sarah’s impatience with waiting on God’s promise led to mistakes and heartache, but it also showed her humanity. She struggled with the waiting, just as we often struggle in our own seasons of waiting. But God was faithful to complete His plan when the time was right. In the end, God’s faithfulness was far greater than her doubts.
5. How Sarah’s Story Applies to Us Today
For Women
Sarah’s story offers profound lessons for women, particularly those who face difficulties in relationships, struggles with infertility, or those who may feel overlooked. Sarah’s journey reminds us that God sees us and is faithful to His promises, even when we can’t see the full picture. She serves as an example of trusting God’s plan for our lives, even when the path seems uncertain.
For Couples
Sarah and Abraham’s story encourages couples to trust God together, even in the waiting. Their story exemplifies the importance of faith and patience in marriage, especially when facing challenges or difficult seasons. As a couple, choosing to wait on God’s timing can strengthen your relationship and deepen your faith.
For Those Waiting on God
Whether you’re waiting for a promise to be fulfilled, hoping for a breakthrough, or simply seeking God’s guidance, Sarah’s story encourages us to wait on the Lord. Her story shows us that God is at work, even in the waiting, and His promises will be fulfilled at the perfect time.
Conclusion
Sarah’s life is a testament to the power of trusting God’s timing, remaining faithful, and being obedient to His call. Despite moments of doubt and impatience, God fulfilled His promises to Sarah and Abraham, and through them, He brought forth a multitude of descendants. Sarah, the mother of Isaac, became the mother of nations, and her story continues to inspire all who seek to trust in God’s timing and faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
- Trusting God’s Timing: How can you trust in God’s timing in your own life? Are there areas where you need to be patient and wait on His promises?
- Obedience in Difficult Times: How can Sarah’s obedience inspire you in your own journey? What are some areas where God is calling you to act in obedience, even when it seems difficult?
- God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on a time when God was faithful to you, even when you doubted. How did that experience strengthen your faith?
Practical Applications
- Waiting on God: Are there areas in your life where you need to practice waiting on God’s timing? Write down your prayers and commit to trusting God with your plans.
- Obedience: Consider an area in your life where you are struggling with obedience. Ask God for the strength and courage to follow His call, no matter the outcome.
- Embrace God’s Promise: Reflect on God’s promises to you. Even in difficult seasons, hold onto the truth that God is working behind the scenes to fulfill His will in your life.
Memory Verse
Genesis 18:14: “Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
Reflect on this verse as a reminder that nothing is impossible with God and His timing is always perfect.
Download the Sarah Bible Study Worksheet
Thank you for exploring Sarah’s story with us. To dive deeper into her lessons of trust, patience, and faith, download the Sarah Bible Study Worksheet and reflect on these important lessons in your own life.
Download the Sarah Bible Study Worksheet
May God bless you,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
