WHAT HER LIFE TEACHES ME
Sarah lived 127 years; And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. Genesis 23:1-2
It is only right and fair to remember Sarah’s life today. She lived 127 years and survived many hardships. Her struggles were public as many of her triumphs and failures were captured for all of us to read. After all is said and done, she was named as an example of trust in Yahweh. Isaiah 51:2 She is mentioned as one whose faith counted as righteousness. Romans 4:19 She did a lot wrong but, oh, she did a lot right. What can I learn from her?
She persevered. Abraham loved her but was anything but a perfect husband. She was used to trick two kings into believing that she was a sibling, not a wife. As a pawn on account of her beauty, she was taken as part of the kings’ harem. When Abraham failed to protect her, God stepped in to guard her chastity. In spite of this betrayal in her marriage, she appeared to stay emotionally engaged and teachable in Abraham’s company.
She grew in her faith until her death. Refusing to coast, she ultimately believed God for the birth of the promised child, Isaac, at age 90. In her old age, God renamed her for her faith. When I wonder if God forgets the aged, I remember her story. God can, and will, do a new thing regardless of whether or not I’ve passed the ‘prime of life.’ Age is irrelevant in the kingdom.
She was not perfect. She gave her slave girl to be a concubine to Abraham. Sarah was desperate and caved into doubt instead of faith. In spite of this and the catastrophic outcome of the birth of Ishmael, their marriage lasted and Abraham mourned her death. Forgiveness, not bitterness, won in their marital relationship.
I’m halfway to Sarah’s age. I often fight the urge to coast instead of engage. I’m aware today that there is so much life to live yet. God’s greatest work in me is ahead of me, not behind me. On a good day, I don’t struggle with joy and purpose. On a bad day, I must, and will, fight for my faith.
I will not be crippled in any way by my failures, Father. They are teachers, not catalysts for defeat. I stay engaged today, fully alive unto You. Amen.
Journal Question: You’ve heard the phrase ‘the living dead’. Is there any part of you who died because of some failure of tragedy? Would you be open to God resurrecting you, every part of you, to the abundant life He promised? Talk to Him about it.
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Tuesday, 13 September 2016.
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