Faith like Sarah

Usually, when we hear the names Abraham and Sarah we begin to think about the promise of a son. We think about how they tried by human effort to bring about the promise. Abraham did have a son by those efforts, but he was not the promise. That is also a wonderful story. But today I want to look at a different story.

Genesis chapters 12 and 20 tell the story of Sari/Sarah instructed by Abraham to say she was his sister and thus being taken to be another man’s wife. I have always found it a very intriguing story! If you haven’t read it lately I highly recommend you read it again.

Twice Sarah is passed off as the sister (this is a half truth because she is also his wife therefore there is deceit, a thread still running through the family line several generations later.) of her husband so that things will go well with him. I want to say, “But what about Sarah?” In both cases they are in a strange place. When Pharaoh and Abimelech take Sarah as their wife she is whisked from all she knows, including the people she knows. I wonder was she terrified? Was she concerned for her future? What thoughts must have been swirling through her mind! 

Sarah could have lived out her days with either man—- BUT GOD! Someone needs to hear this right here— when her husband did not protect her GOD did! But it didn’t look that way. It looked like it was over, she was gone. Pharaoh had already given Abraham sheep, goats and servants! By all outside appearances it was all over and Sarah’s life as Abraham’s wife was over. Not only did GOD show up to protect Sarah He told Abimelech that if he did not return her he AND all his house was going to die. GOD meant business! 

I believe GOD showed up as Sarah’s protector because her faith wasn’t in her husband– her faith was in GOD. We find her name in the New Testament in Hebrews where the great people of faith are listed; there with them is the name Sarah. I believe the first time GOD protected her strengthened her faith for the second rescue. This is just my observation but look at the stories- the first time the Egyptians were faced with a plague when they had Sarah but when Abimelech had her they were facing death! When our faith is in GOD He doesn’t play! 

There may be women who feel their husbands or father’s haven’t protected them as they should. Some may have even felt their husband or father’s betrayed them. You may feel all alone like you have no one to stand up for you. The Truth is— have faith in GOD! He will do for you just as He did for Sarah because He is no respecter of persons. Trust Him to be your protector and no matter how dark the situation looks, don’t lose the faith. He will protect you!