The Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. – Genesis 21:1
Waiting on God can be one of the hardest parts of the faith journey. We read stories like Sarah’s and think, “Why did she take matters into her own hands?” But if we’re honest, we’ve all been there. Holding onto God’s promise while watching the months (or years) pass can feel impossible. Sarah waited 90 years before seeing her promise fulfilled. Ninety years. That kind of waiting can test anyone’s patience—and her story shows both her struggle and God’s faithfulness.
Sarah’s desire for a child was real, and so was her impatience. She believed God’s promise, but the waiting got the best of her. Trying to “help” God, she gave her servant Hagar to Abraham, thinking that was the solution. It wasn’t. Yet even in her mistake, God’s plan didn’t change. His promise to her remained—and eventually, she held Isaac in her arms.
We see a pattern here that’s familiar: God makes a promise, time passes, doubt creeps in, and we try to take control. The enemy loves to tempt us into thinking that waiting is wasted. But the waiting is where God does some of His most important work. It’s where our faith deepens and our dependence on Him grows.
What stands out about Sarah’s story is that she’s mentioned in Hebrews 11—the “hall of faith.” Despite her missteps, she’s remembered for her faith, not her failure. God didn’t define her by her mistake; He defined her by His grace. That’s true for us too. Your past decisions don’t disqualify you from God’s promises. His faithfulness is bigger than your mess-ups.
Sarah’s influence extended beyond her personal story. Her decision to rush God’s plan didn’t just affect her—it impacted generations. Our choices matter, especially when we speak into the lives of those around us. Sarah’s words persuaded Abraham to act outside of God’s timing. It’s a reminder to be careful with the influence we carry and to speak words that align with God’s truth.
But here’s the good news: God redeems. He restored Sarah’s situation and fulfilled His promise in His time. Even after the detour with Hagar, God’s plan was unstoppable. Isaac was born, laughter was restored, and Sarah’s story became one of redemption and hope.
If you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. God sees you. He hears you. And He hasn’t forgotten His promise. The waiting isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. Like Sarah, you may not see how it will all come together, but God’s timing is perfect. Trust Him with the process. His promise to you is worth the wait.
God, help us to trust Your timing, even when it feels long and hard. Remind us that Your plans are good, and Your promises are sure. Guard our hearts from impatience and help us speak words that bring life to those around us. Thank You for using imperfect people and for never giving up on us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Want to hear the full conversation? Listen to the episode here: Sarai’s Story