Genesis 18:14
Who Was Sarah?
Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, the child of promise. Her story is one of decades-long waiting, human failure, and ultimately God's faithfulness. When God promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, Sarah waited year after year for a child that never came. In her frustration, she gave her servant Hagar to Abraham, resulting in the birth of Ishmael and generations of conflict. When three visitors told Abraham that Sarah would bear a son within a year, she laughed in disbelief — she was 90 years old. But God fulfilled His promise, and Sarah bore Isaac, whose name means "laughter," transforming her laughter of doubt into laughter of joy. Hebrews 11 honors Sarah as a woman of faith.
Sarah appears in: Genesis
Key Events
The Journey from Ur
Sarah accompanied Abraham when God called him to leave Ur and travel to an unknown land. She shared in the uncertainties and challenges of a nomadic life, trusting in God's promise alongside her husband.
Giving Hagar to Abraham
After years of barrenness, Sarah gave her Egyptian servant Hagar to Abraham to bear children on her behalf, following a common ancient Near Eastern custom. Hagar bore Ishmael, but this created lasting tension and conflict in the household.
Laughter at the Promise
When three divine visitors told Abraham that Sarah would have a son within a year, Sarah overheard and laughed within herself at the impossibility. God asked, "Is any thing too hard for the LORD?" — a question that echoes through Scripture.
The Birth of Isaac
At age 90, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, just as God had promised. She declared, "God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me" — her doubt transformed into joy and testimony.
Key Scriptures
Genesis 18:14
Genesis 21:6
Hebrews 11:11
Lessons from Sarah
- God's promises are not limited by human impossibility — nothing is too hard for the Lord.
- Taking matters into our own hands instead of waiting on God can create complications that last generations.
- Honest doubt does not disqualify us from faith — God is patient with our struggles to believe.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? Sarah waited 25 years for God's promise to come true. What is our family waiting on God for right now?
- ? Sarah tried to make God's promise happen her own way with Hagar. When have you tried to force something instead of waiting on God?
- ? Sarah's laughter went from doubt to joy. How has God turned your doubts or worries into something wonderful?
Family Activity
Read about Sarah in the Bible this week. Have each family member draw or write about what they admire most about Sarah and share with the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God change Sarai's name to Sarah?
God changed her name from Sarai to Sarah in Genesis 17:15. Both names relate to the concept of "princess," but the change signified her expanded role — she would be the mother not just of a family but of nations, and kings of peoples would come from her. The name change accompanied God's covenant promise about Isaac.
How old was Sarah when Isaac was born?
Sarah was 90 years old when she gave birth to Isaac (Genesis 17:17). Abraham was 100. The extreme age of both parents emphasized that Isaac was a child of divine promise and miracle, not natural human capability. Sarah is the only woman in Scripture whose age at childbirth and age at death (127 years, Genesis 23:1) are both recorded.
Is Sarah considered a hero of faith?
Yes. Hebrews 11:11 includes Sarah in the great "hall of faith," saying "through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised." Despite her moments of doubt and laughter, Sarah ultimately trusted God, and her faith is commended alongside Abraham's.
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