Scripture Texts: Genesis 12:5-20 (KJV); 1 Peter 3:1-6 (KJV); Genesis 12:11-20 (KJV); Genesis 16:1-6 (KJV); Genesis 21:1-7 (KJV).

MEMORY VERSE: “Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.” – Isaiah 51:2

Sarah teaches submission and trust first. The matriarch's faith and complete devotion to God's plan are unusual in our age. Following someone who claims to have heard God but is unclear takes confidence. Sarah accompanied her husband who had heard from God to leave his father's land but wasn't sure where (Hebrews 11:8-11). She complied. Our generation's faith is unusual. Sarah followed Abraham everywhere to Canaan. That wasn't a perfect trip. Not all women can! Because God didn't speak to her. Abraham alone heard God. Why would she kill herself chasing her husband around? She deserves praise. Unlike Moses' wife Zipporah, who returned when the path seemed unclear.

However, submission isn't subjugation. Subjugation—forced control—is tyrannical. Marriage doesn't oppress. Submission is not a woman agreeing on everything, placing her husband's will above Christ's. Surrender is not sacrificing her mind. She's not afraid. The woman draws power from God, not man.

What is Biblical submission? It's heavenly advice for married women. According unto the Lord, a woman must honour and support her husband. As the church is subject to Christ, so should women submit to their husbands in everything (Ephesians 5:24). Sarah, the matriarch, modelled Christian wifehood. "She honoured him as "lord." Likewise, wives. For in this fashion in ancient time, the holy women likewise, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:” Virtuous women respect and honour their husbands. Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman who respects and honours her husband (v. 11-12,23,28).

Today, Christian marriages are falling at an alarming pace. No one wants to submit to anybody—husbands, wives, children, or anyone else. Everyone wants their way. This is disrespectful of God's marriage and family rules. We received a different gospel. Home order is not heavenly. To have happy homes and marriages, many Christian spouses should return to God and obey Him. In Jesus' name, may God help us return.

Mother Sarah's beauty, cleanliness, and humility are another striking trait. Sarah was so beautiful at 65 that Egyptian princes praised her before their lord. This spiritual lady must have taken care of herself to look that lovely at that age. Pure women are lovely. She didn't focus only on spirituality. She didn't focus on spirituality when her surroundings were messy. She was well-rounded.
As heaven-bound virtuous women (and men), we must learn to live a balanced life so that while the spirit flourishes, the body does not deteriorate and vice versa (3John 2). Souls need bodies. Consuming the correct nutrients may enhance scripture comprehension (1 Kings 19:. A well-decorated house and properly dressed clothes may set the mood for togetherness. Sleep would help! The body must be valued and maintained. Sarah excelled at this. She proved godliness and beauty are possible. Sweetheart, take care of yourself.

Sarah was barren. She felt she might have children by having her maid sleep with her husband. She erred badly. She tossed her pearl out cheaply, a mistake the world is now dealing with. Although waiting long, she should have been more patient. She should have stayed with God. Her flesh took control, causing the big error.
She wanted a child with Hagar, but all she received was shame and contempt. "When she realised that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her," the Bible states. Hagar, like everyone else, considered her position a right to insult her employer. She was carrying Abraham's child. She could speak and act freely. Sarah contacted an Egyptian for aid (Isaiah 31:1). Impatience costs. The globe still struggles with Ishmael's descendants. Beloved, you may have waited long for a desire, and it is possible you are thinking that God is coming too late. You are thinking of trying a plan-B. Don’t do it! Please hold on to God and trust His timing. He will come through for you. A little more patience, a little more prayer, and your Isaac will arrive in grand style. It shall end in laughter, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Let's discover what God can achieve in apparently impossible circumstances as we conclude Sarah's life study. Our God never loses. In Ezekiel 37, God inquired whether the bones could live. “O Lord God, thou knowest,” Ezekiel said. He stated this because everything seemed hopeless, but with God, nothing is impossible! He will follow His word. Jesus always keeps His word. Our God is powerful! The Lord visited Sarah and did as he declared. Beloved, God will keep His word. His word never fails. Sarah had Isaac, symbolising laughter, at 90. Lazarus, who was rotting, was resurrected after four days. When all hope was gone in Samaria's famine, God provided abundantly. Even now, God visits His people and fulfils His promises. Miracles! God still performs miracles.

What challenges are you experiencing? In Jesus' name, that issue and disgrace will stop today. In Jesus' name, you shall laugh, and others will laugh with you. God will accommodate you. He will expand your coast and tongue to surpass your opponents and mockers. Start mocking your foes right now by laughing at them! God still performs miracles! Believe Him!

You need to give your life to Christ as your own way of showing total submission to God. If you would like to repent confess your sins, just say this short prayer with great faith: “Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You now, come into my life, take control of my life and change my world. I say bye-bye to the devil, I enter the Kingdom of Light, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

Congratulations!!!

God bless you.
Peace!

Ref: Dr. D,K Olukoya: “Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional”: 2023 Vol 8
https://flatimes.com/mfm-devotional-13-march-2023-life-of-sarah-v/