Now Sarai was childless because she was not able to conceive.
Genesis 11:30 NIV
This Bible verse introduces us to Sarai and her deep desire for a child. The story of Sarah reminds us of the significance of God’s perfect timing. Although she was of childbearing age, Sarah was unable to conceive. It is clear that her childlessness was not due to her age; rather, it stemmed from her inability to conceive. Her childlessness underscored the beauty of waiting on God to fulfil His promises.
This difference matters because if her situation were ever to change, the source of that change would need to come from God Himself. Only God could make possible what she could not achieve on her own. This reality, instead of creating bitterness, should have drawn her closer to God, the only one who could transform her circumstances.
When we face similar challenges, Sarah’s story teaches us to draw closer to God rather than seeking our own solutions. The Bible emphasises how essential God’s perfect timing is in our lives, reassuring us that His promises never fail. Just as Sarah needed God to open her womb, we often need to trust in Him to bring about the breakthroughs we hope for.
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, ‘The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.’ Abram agreed to what Sarai said.
Genesis 16:1-2 NIV
Meanwhile, in her impatience, Sarai took the situation into her own hands. Instead of seeking God’s intervention or asking Him to enable her to conceive, she sought an alternative solution. She reasoned that by having Abram father a child with Hagar, her slave, she could fulfil her desire for a family. This decision, though seemingly practical at the time, eventually led to complications and strife within their household. Sarai’s choice reflects a familiar struggle. When faced with delayed promises, we sometimes try to create our own solutions rather than trust in God’s perfect timing.
Later, however, God’s promise was fulfilled:
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.
Genesis 21:1-2 NIV
When the time was right, God did exactly as He had promised. He graciously enabled Sarah to conceive, fulfilling His word. This miraculous act didn’t happen because of human intervention or alternative plans; it happened solely through God’s grace and power. God’s promise to Sarah was not forgotten, and His timing was precise. This shows that when He fulfils His promises, it is always in a way that brings glory to Him alone.
In summary, Sarah’s story teaches us the importance of patience, faith, and reliance on God’s timing. Her initial response to her circumstances was to take control, but ultimately, it was only by waiting on God that she received the promise. Let this be a reminder for us: when faced with unfulfilled desires or delayed promises, our greatest hope lies in God’s power and faithfulness, not in our own efforts. He alone knows the perfect timing to fulfil His promises.
