Beyond the Ballot: Sarah, the Mother of Kings

I have always been challenged by the faith of Abraham and Sarah.  God made an extraordinary covenant with Abraham in declaring that his descendants would number the stars of the heavens, and, contrary to all human wisdom and invention, he fulfilled that covenant in its entirety. 

“…she considered him faithful who promised.”  (Hebrews 11:11b)  For Sarah, the fulfillment of God’s spoken word seemed impossible.   How could she, a barren woman and advanced in years, give Abraham a son, much less be known as “the mother of kings”? 

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?”  (Genesis 18:14).  These words spoken to Sarah before the birth of Isaac mirror the message delivered to Mary when it was revealed to her she would be the mother of the promised Messiah:   “For nothing shall be impossible with God.”  (Luke 1:37)

Two noble women faced with impossible situations, called to anchor themselves in the truth of God’s decreed will.   The spoken word would defy all impossibilities and accomplish the plan of redemption.

For both Abraham and Sarah, this journey in seeing the covenant become reality through the gift of Isaac was anything but easy.  The Genesis account bears witness to their questionings and doubt through life difficulties.   In spite of their shortcomings, God remained faithful to his word, and this couple is a living example of what genuine faith looks like.  For faith to be exercised it has to be convinced of the trustworthiness of the object.  And for Abraham and Sarah, they knew that the trustworthiness of their covenant-making God was sure and established.

God used Sarah to continue the covenant of redemption throughout time.  Though I’m sure she did not fully comprehend the full breadth of God’s work in the human race through her, she believed the spoken word, and the power and faithfulness of God stands preeminent in her life for all generations.

So as I pray for my leaders, I am challenged to pray for those who do have a relationship with Christ, that their faith will be anchored in the spoken word of God so that they can rise above the seemingly impossible situations they face and find encouragement and boldness in their work because they are sure of the power and faithfulness of their God.