Sarah’s story is told in Genesis 11-23
Sarah: A Story of Waiting, Doubt, and God’s Faithfulness
Have you ever waited a long time for something you really hoped for? Maybe you started to wonder if it would ever happen. That’s how Sarah, a woman from the Old Testament, must have felt. Her story is one of long waiting, personal mistakes, and, in the end, amazing joy—because God kept His promise.
Let’s take a look at Sarah’s life and the lessons we can learn from her journey.
Who Was Sarah?
Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham, one of the most well-known men in the Bible. She followed her husband when God told him to leave their home and go to a land that God would show them (Genesis 12).
Later, God changed her name from Sarai to Sarah, which means “princess.” It was a sign of the important role she would play in God’s plan.
The Promise of a Child
God made a big promise to Abraham and Sarah. He said they would have a son, and that their descendants would become a great nation.
There was one big problem: Sarah couldn’t have children, and she was already old. When Sarah overheard an angel repeating God’s promise, she actually laughed to herself. How could a woman nearly 90 years old become a mother?
“Then Sarah laughed to herself and said, ‘After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’” (Genesis 18:12)
Sarah doubted—but God’s promises don’t depend on what seems possible to us.
Sarah’s Mistake: Hagar and Ishmael
Years passed, and Sarah still had no child. She decided to take matters into her own hands. She gave her servant Hagar to Abraham, hoping that Hagar would have a child in her place.
Hagar did have a son, Ishmael, but this created tension in the family. Sarah became jealous and hurt. The situation grew more complicated, and everyone suffered.
This part of Sarah’s story reminds us that trying to “help God out” in our own way can often lead to pain and confusion.
God Keeps His Promise
Even after all the waiting, and even after Sarah’s doubt and mistakes, God still kept His promise. When she was 90 years old, Sarah gave birth to a son named Isaac.
“Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what He had promised.” (Genesis 21:1)
This time, when Sarah laughed, it was a laugh of joy and amazement. She said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me” (Genesis 21:6).
What once seemed impossible became real—because nothing is too hard for God.
Sarah’s Legacy
Sarah is remembered as a woman of faith, even though she had moments of doubt. In the New Testament, she is honored in the “Faith Hall of Fame”:
“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.” (Hebrews 11:11)
Sarah became the first matriarch—the mother of the family that would lead to the nation of Israel, and eventually to Jesus Himself.
Lessons from Sarah’s Life
Sarah’s story can encourage us in many ways:
- Waiting on God is hard, but He is always faithful
- Even when we doubt, God can still do great things
- God doesn’t give up on us when we make mistakes
- Joy often comes after a long season of struggle
Final Thoughts
Sarah waited for years. She laughed in disbelief. She made mistakes. But in the end, God’s promise came true, just as He said it would. Her story shows us that God is patient, kind, and faithful—even when we aren’t perfect.
If you’re in a season of waiting, or if you feel like it’s too late for something good to happen, remember Sarah. God hasn’t forgotten you.
Reflection question:
What are you waiting and hoping for right now? How can you trust God’s timing, just like Sarah eventually did?