Introduction
The Apostle Paul made clear the value of studying the Bible in its entirety. In Romans 15:4, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he penned, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Stories have the power to teach valuable lessons that stick in the mind far longer than a simple reprimand or warning. Biblical accounts go beyond fairy tales, however, because everything in God’s Word is true. The details of these accounts report the facts with little commentary, leaving it to the reader to discern the lesson. Because most humans see other’s shortcomings with clearer perspective than their own, God uses these Biblical accounts to warn and to comfort, to teach and to reprimand, to give insight beyond one’s own experience.
In these next few accounts, stories of ordinary women making everyday decisions of the heart will help the reader turn the lens back on herself to discern where her own heart is leading. May it be a help and a blessing to those who read it.
Disappointment Or Trust
Sarai—Genesis 16, 21:1-7
Sarai’s marriage to Abram boasts of adventure from the moment the couple is introduced in Scripture. God handpicked her husband to birth a nation that would eventually bless all of humanity. Ironically, at the seasoned age of seventy-six, she was barren. Genesis 16:2 records her words of disappointment, and a plan forming in her mind.
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
Abram was a first-generation God-follower, who had pulled up stakes from his hometown with his wife, father, and nephew, to go to an unknown land. God had promised Abram from the first encounter that He would make him a great nation. Now, after eleven years of wandering between the desert lands of Judea and Egypt, Sarai’s frustration with the situation must have finally boiled over into a plan of action.
Though common amongst the people around them, polygamy was not an instruction God ever gave His people. Abram and Sarai held no written Bible in their hand, but they had been assured of God’s promise many times before this moment.
Sarai, filled with disappointment in God’s timing, set in motion what her heart demanded. She could have a child using an Egyptian slave named Hagar. The plan worked perfectly, but it left Sarai with a bitter heart toward all the parties involved. The long-lasting consequences surely made her regret her choice for the rest of her life.
Father, Disappointment in this world is inevitable. Thank you for the guidance and comfort you offer in Your Word when disappointment comes. Please help us to remember that you have an appointment within every disappointment, and the ability to fulfill our longings with Your presence. Amen.
Hannah—1 Samuel 1
Hannah lived several hundred years after Sarai, as part of the nation that came from God’s promise to Abram. She too was barren, and part of a polygamous marriage brought about by “every man doing that which was right in his own eyes” during the time of the Judges. The other wife provoked Hannah mercilessly, for she mothered many children. How did Hannah respond to this?
She did weep and grieve, but she did not stop there. She went into the temple of Shiloh where her people worshipped God. “And she was in bitterness of soul and prayed unto the LORD and wept sore.” 1 Sam. 1:10
Then, she vowed to the Lord that she would give back the child God gave her to serve Him. God heard her prayer, and He gave her a son named Samuel who ministered to the backslidden people of God.
Often, we face the temptation to “help God” with a problem we face like Sarai, but Hannah modeled a beautiful picture of prayer in a time of deep disappointment. Once Eli, the priest, let her know that her prayer was answered, it is recorded in verse 18 that her countenance was no more sad. She trusted God completely with her request and left her burden with Him.
Father, thank you for helping us to see the way these two women managed their disappointment. Help us to choose to bring our disappointments to you to work out in Your best timing and way. Give us wisdom to leave the burdens at Your feet, and let our countenance display your joy and peace with trust like Hannah. Amen.
If you enjoyed these first two accounts, below you will find a pdf printable of the whole devotional. There are eight women profiled, with the Scripture listed where their story can be found.
Please feel free to share any comments, thoughts, or improvements that could be made for future posts!
Have a blessed day, my friends!
His Song in the Night 