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The name Sarah means “Princess.” She was a mother to many people. In Genesis, Sarah struggled with infertility for years. To solve the problem of having an heir, she decided to give Hagar to Abraham. Now, she is almost 90. God understands the needs of women.
When the three men showed up at Abraham’s tent door, Abraham displayed Middle Eastern hospitality. He provided them with a shady place to sit down and water to wash their feet. A huge meal was prepared for them, with Sarah assisting in the preparation. Sarah was inside the tent and overheard the conversation between the men and Abraham. She heard them say that she and Abraham would have a son. Sarah’s response was laughter, knowing that this was impossible due to her advanced age and inability to bear children.
Hebrews 11:11 & 12 state that by faith, Sarah bore a child. Sarah began to trust. A year later, Isaac was born. The name Isaac means “he will rejoice” or “laugh.” Sarah’s bitter laughter turned into joy-filled laughter because she knew that God had been faithful in her life. The message to us is that God is faithful and will bring us joy in His own way and in His time.
Hannah was another barren mother who fervently prayed for a son. God did grant her a son, and she dedicated him back to God. Mothers are called to trust not in themselves but in God. While mothers tend to worry, God is trustworthy. They need to understand that God will provide fulfillment in their lives. This fulfillment may not always come in the form of children, but He will replace sorrow with joy and sadness with happiness, all in His own time.
We are encouraged to give back to God whatever we have, as He has given us everything we possess. Our responsibility to mothers is to make their lives easier. This can be done by remembering and following their teachings, encouraging them as we observe their efforts in teaching their children, listening non-judgmentally, being cautious with advice, and focusing on support rather than criticism.
A mother’s love for her children is a true example of God’s love for His children.