“The Dawn’s Battle Cry” Sarah
As I reflect back on the days when I was training in the Military a big part of that was preparing for battle. I loved Basic Training – Which is not something that you ever really hear people say: But Basic Training taught me much about life. As a child in school, I could never manage to climb the ropes in PE. I was not one of the popular kids, I didn’t play sports I wasn’t a part of any teams or groups. I spent most of my childhood alone in my bedroom where I wouldn’t be under my parent’s feet. I did chores, homework and played alone.
I was always very creative, I loved to color, I loved to put puzzles together, I read Bible stories from a collection that I was given yet I never really attended church until I was well into my teenage years. My favorite classes in school were Arts and Crafts and Home Economics. Ceramics, Sewing, and Cooking.
I do remember being saved in a park in Kansas one Summer when I did attend a Summer Bible Camp which was probably my Saving Grace because the next year at Christmas time, I went to live with my dad in Wyoming I was 6 years old. It was just 2 years or so later in April when my little brother Phillip died, I was 9 he was 8. Much of my childhood was spent suffering Abuse which is probably what motivated me to join the Military!
I didn’t understand the uniformity or exactly why things were done a specific way like everybody rolling their socks and making their beds the same way until years later. But I sure wouldn’t want to be in a foxhole in the heat of a battle with a cook who had no training on how to shoot his weapon and react the same exact way that I would as a clerical supply specialist, fully trained on how to take careful inventory of the needed weapons, ammunition and how to clean, assemble, and fire that weapon if I needed too.
The training courses of how to react in situations for gas chambers and the obstacle courses and the PT all served their purpose in boosting a confidence that I had never known. Each time that I would complete a drill or pass a test I slowly began to see that I could do anything, that I was not a weak little child, that I was a Soldier, and I was Strong! That I had value and served a purpose! It was this training that taught me about Armor!
I try not to dwell on my past because I cannot change it, but I do revisit it so that it does not define me. When I open the word of God, I truly try to understand what the Lord wants to reveal to me and how it relates to my life. I have spent much time in the books of Genesis over the last year of my life. A quote that I use often is what is Foundational becomes Functional! Many aspects of my life is not functional and for that I feel as though I need to look at Genisis because it is the Foundation Of Faith and Gods Existence. There is much to be learned in Genisis many battles that we all deal with. How you can’t have a Solid Foundation if it is built on Shifting Sand! I need to Put ON MY ARMOR OF GOD and protect myself from the direction of the culture.
Do I have a strong Foundation: On my Blog Page I have a section of 6 videos those videos that are 5 keys to my Bible Study:
- Listen to what God Says first and foremost – what is he saying to me where is he leading me.
- Affirmations Second – Thank Him, Be Grateful, Prayer and Meditation
- Bible Study – Listen to a Sermon or a Bible Study Group
- Praise & Worship! That is sometimes something that I focus on for hours. If my Soul is downcast, I need to have a pick me up and Music inspires me!
- Journal! This is a Must and I do not always use the same resource sometimes I journal in my Bible, sometimes in my notebook, sometimes in a topic Journal, sometimes in a blog.
Today I am focusing on Sarah and imagining what battles she must have faced. While reflecting on what I have heard today and reflecting on a past and how I’ve grown. Although This is in story form and Sarah is my character I am laying only the foundation of the story. Moses Wrote Genisis, and it speaks of The Foundation The Fear of The Unknown The Deliverance Out Of Bondages Many Promises
The Morning Watch
In the quiet predawn hours, before the world stirred, Sarah donned her spiritual armor. She was no ordinary soldier; she was a warrior of the spirit. Her mission? To hear God’s voice amidst the clamor of life. The battlefield? Her own heart.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, Sarah settled into her favorite armchair. The room was dimly lit, but her spirit burned bright. She closed her eyes, seeking the stillness that would allow her to hear the whispers of the Divine.
Thank You Affirmations
Sarah’s heart overflowed with gratitude. She whispered affirmations, each one a fragrant offering to the heavens. “Thank you for breath, for life, for this new day,” she murmured. “Thank you for the challenges that sharpen my soul and the blessings that soften it.”
The Scroll of Wisdom
With her Bible open, Sarah embarked on her daily study. She traced her fingers over the ancient words, feeling their weight and power. Today’s passage spoke of courage, of standing firm in the face of adversity. Sarah knew she’d need that strength as she stepped into the battlefield of her workplace.
The Hallelujah Song
As the clock ticked toward the hour of battle, Sarah sang. Her voice, though soft, carried a fierce determination. The Hallelujah Song echoed through her home, a battle cry that defied despair. She imagined angels joining in, their wings beating in rhythm.
Praise and Worship Mix
Sarah’s playlist came alive. She swayed, lost in the melodies that lifted her spirit. Each note was a prayer, each chorus a declaration of victory. The mundane tasks of the day—dishes, laundry, emails—became sacred acts of worship.
Epilogue: Journaling Sarah Navigating The Mary and Martha World
Sarah emerged from her morning watch, ready for the day’s battles. She kissed her husband, hugged her children, and stepped into the fray. The rude customers, the ungrateful colleagues—they were no match for the light that shone within her.
In the evening, as she tucked her kids into bed, Sarah whispered, “Remember, my little warriors, we fight not against flesh and blood, but against powers unseen. Let God’s light shine through you.”
And so, Sarah lived in both worlds—the practical and the divine. Sarah becomes a beacon for weary souls seeking grace. She knew that in the quiet moments, in the intentional hours spent with God, she found her purpose—the wings that carried her through life’s battles.
May my readers find solace in Sarah’s story, and may they too choose “the better part” in their daily lives. 🙏✨
Sarah: A Mother Of Nations
Genesis 12, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21
Highlights:
Wife and half sister of Abraham
Her name was changed from Sarai to Sarah by God
Her name means “princess”
She was very beautiful
She was barren
She birthed Isaac at age 90
She died at age 127
She is listed in Hebrews 11 for her faith.
Sarai’s life begins in the city of Ur, where she was born into the lineage of Terah. Little did she know that her life was about to take an extraordinary turn when her husband, Abram, received a divine call from God. The call led them to embark on a journey to an unknown land, away from their familiar surroundings, and into the realm of God’s promises. This speaks of the Foundation.
God called Abram to take his family and leave his land. God had something better in store for him. God promised Abram that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars, and this promise included Sarai conceiving and bearing a child. The only problem? Sarai was barren. This Speaks of The Fear of The Unknown.
In a culture where bearing children was deeply significant, Sarai’s barrenness was a burden she carried for many years. Despite her devotion to God, she faced moments of doubt, wondering if God’s promise of descendants would ever come to pass.
Reflect: What is deeply distressing to you right now? What is causing you pain, grief, or annoyance?
God’s promise to make Abraham a great nation seemed improbable and unlikely with Sarai’s inability to conceive. Despite her advanced age, Sarai yearned for a child, and she pleaded with Abram to have a child through her servant Hagar. Abram complied, and Hagar bore a son named Ishmael. However, this decision led to conflicts and tensions within the family.
While Sarai’s actions were driven by a desire to see God’s promise fulfilled, it became evident that human interventions to fulfill God’s plans often lead to unintended consequences. Despite her good intentions, Sarih’s decision brought discord into her family, leaving a lasting impact on future generations. However, God’s plan was not yet fully realized, and the birth of Ishmael was only part of the intricate tapestry that would eventually unfold, leading to the fulfillment of God’s promise in the birth of Isaac.
Reflect: What actions have you taken through impatience and/or frustration instead of waiting on the Lord? What happened? What could you have done differently?
Sarai’s longing for a child was not in vain, as God had a greater plan for her. In Genesis 17, God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham and made a covenant with Sarah as well. He changed their names, signifying a new beginning and divine intervention. Sarai became Sarah, which means “princess”. This renaming marked her role as the mother of nations and emphasized the fulfillment of God’s promise through her.
The visitation of three angels to Abraham and Sarah at the Oaks of Mamre brought an astonishing revelation. They announced that Sarah, despite her old age, would conceive and bear a son within a year. When Sarah overheard this divine proclamation, she initially laughed in disbelief. “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” (Genesis 18:12). Her laughter reflected her doubt, but it also revealed the human struggle to trust God in the face of impossibility.
Reflect: When have you laughed at what God said He would do? When have you doubted God’s promises for you?
God’s response to Sarah’s laughter was not one of condemnation, but rather a question that resonates throughout time, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14). This question encapsulates the essence of faith: to trust in God’s power and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem insurmountable, improbable, or extremely unlikely. Sarah’s laughter turned to awe and submission, acknowledging God’s ability to do the impossible.
Reflect: We tend to condemn ourselves whenever we find that we are not walking by faith. God’s response to Sarah is very encouraging. He didn’t condemn her. Instead He let her know that nothing is impossible for God. Today, thank God that His mercies are new every morning. That is a faithful God who loves His children. Have you been condemning yourself? Have you been too hard on yourself? Where has God turned your doubt into awe?
True to the angels’ words, Sarah conceived and bore a son, whom they named Isaac. His name means “he laughs,” signifying the joy and laughter that came from God’s fulfillment of His promise. Isaac’s birth brought immense joy to Sarah, Abraham, and their entire household, but it also led to a challenging situation when Sarah witnessed Ishmael mocking her son. This prompted her to demand that Abraham cast out Hagar and Ishmael, which he eventually did, under God’s guidance.
Reflect: There are always consequences to taking matters into our own hands. Not only will we suffer, but others will too. What ways can you minimize taking matters into your own hands?
Sarah’s story reflects a pattern of faith, wavering at times but ultimately anchored in God’s faithfulness. Despite her mistakes and moments of doubt, she remains a remarkable example of a woman who walked with God, leaving a legacy of faith and obedience.
Lessons Learned
Sarah’s decision to take matters into her own hands and have Abraham conceive a child with Hagar holds valuable lessons for us:
Impatience and Trust in God’s Timing: Sarah’s impatience in waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled led her to take matters into her own hands. This impulsive decision teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s timing and not resorting to our own solutions when things seem delayed or uncertain. Patience and faith in God’s plan are essential virtues in our journey of faith.
Consequences of Human Interventions: Sarah’s choice to use Hagar as a surrogate had unforeseen consequences, leading to tensions and conflicts within her family. It serves as a reminder that human interventions to fulfill God’s plans can bring about complexities and hardships we may not anticipate. When we try to manipulate circumstances instead of trusting God’s sovereignty, we risk facing unintended consequences.
The Danger of Jealousy and Comparison: Sarah’s jealousy and feelings of inadequacy in comparison to Hagar highlight the danger of comparing ourselves with others and the destructive nature of jealousy. Comparing ourselves to others can lead to resentment and cloud our judgment, preventing us from seeing God’s unique plan for our lives.
Trusting God’s Provision: Sarah’s actions stemmed from a desire to see God’s promise fulfilled, but she failed to trust God’s ability to bring it to pass without her intervention. The lesson here is to have faith in God’s provision and to trust that He knows the best way to fulfill His promises, even if it doesn’t align with our human understanding.
God’s Redemption of Our Mistakes: Despite Sarah’s actions, God remained faithful to His promise and eventually fulfilled it through the birth of Isaac. Sarah’s story shows us that even when we make mistakes or take wrong paths, God can redeem those situations and bring about His divine plan in unexpected ways.
Learning to Surrender: Sarah’s actions stemmed from a lack of trust in God’s ability to fulfill His promise in His own time and way. Her story encourages us to surrender our desires, fears, and doubts to God, acknowledging that His plans are higher and more significant than our own.
Sarah’s laughter and doubt provide essential lessons for us:
Human Frailty and God’s Grace: Sarah’s laughter and doubt remind us that even the most faithful individuals can experience moments of human frailty. God’s grace is sufficient to understand and address our doubts, fears, and uncertainties with compassion and love.
Honesty in Our Relationship with God: Sarah’s laughter serves as a testament to the importance of honesty in our relationship with God. God knows our hearts, and we should feel free to express our doubts and questions to Him. Rather than pretending, we can approach God with authenticity, knowing that He welcomes our openness.
God’s Understanding and Patience: God’s response to Sarah’s laughter reflects His patience and understanding. He didn’t condemn or punish her for her initial doubt but gently reassured her. This teaches us that God is compassionate and patient with us, meeting us where we are and leading us toward greater faith.
The Power of God’s Word: Sarah’s laughter turned from skepticism to awe when she witnessed God’s promise fulfilled. It shows us that God’s word has the power to transform our doubts into faith, and His promises are never empty.
Overcoming Doubt Through God’s Faithfulness: Sarah’s journey of doubt and faith illustrates that God’s faithfulness is unwavering, even when our faith wavers. We can draw strength from God’s consistent character and trust that He will fulfill His promises, no matter how impossible they may seem.
Trusting in the Unseen: Sarah’s doubt was rooted in the apparent impossibility of her situation. Her story challenges us to trust in God’s unseen hand at work in our lives, even when circumstances seem improbable. God’s ways are higher than our understanding, and we can rest in His wisdom.
Perseverance in Faith: Sarah’s laughter didn’t mark the end of her faith journey; she continued to follow God despite her initial doubts. Her story encourages us to persevere in faith, even when we face moments of uncertainty. We can learn from Sarah’s resilience and commitment to God’s plan.
Witnessing God’s Miracles: Sarah’s experience teaches us that God is a God of miracles. When we encounter situations that seem impossible, we can look to Sarah’s story as a reminder of God’s ability to perform miracles and bring about the fulfillment of His promises.
Self Reflection Questions:
What is deeply distressing to you right now? What is causing you pain, grief, or annoyance? What action do you need to take?
What actions have you taken through impatience and/or frustration instead of waiting on the Lord? What happened? What could you have done differently?
When have you laughed at what God said He would do? When have you doubted God’s promises for you? What happened?
There are always consequences to taking matters into your own hands. Not only will you suffer, but others will too. What ways can you minimize taking matters into your own hands?
It’s natural to condemn ourselves whenever we find that we are not walking by faith. God’s response to Sarah is very encouraging. He didn’t condemn her. Instead He let her know that nothing is impossible for God. Today, thank God that His mercies are new every morning. That He is a faithful God who loves His children. Have you been condemning yourself? Have you been too hard on yourself? How can you move past the condemnation and allow yourself to receive grace, truth, and mercy? Where has God turned your doubt into awe and joy?