Day 8 | Sarah

In the ancient world, children were important for a person’s legacy and also, practically speaking, as security in one’s old age. Unable to have children, Abraham’s wife Sarah would have been looked down upon in society. In her desperation, she does the unthinkable and asks their servant, Hagar, to bear a child with Abraham. It’s an act of a woman who has forgotten that God will do as he promised.

But God’s redemption is all over this situation. God doesn’t forget Hagar. She’s a woman who will never be part of Abraham’s blessed family, but God takes care of her nonetheless. Hagar gives God a name: the God who sees me.

God also followed through with his promise to Abraham and Sarah and gave Sarah a child of her own. Sarah’s sin didn’t disqualify her from this blessing. That’s because God’s promises are not based on us, what we accomplish, or how much faith we have. God’s promises are based on who he is, and that’s what we can rely on.

Prayer: Dear God, you are the God who sees me, as Hagar said. You are the God who blessed Sarah, even though she lost her faith for a moment. You see me, and you are faithful. Amen.