Sarah

Sarah, originally named Sarai, was Abraham's wife and half-sister. Renowned for her beauty, she accompanied Abraham on his journey of faith from Ur to Canaan and shared in all the promises God made to him.

Sarah's greatest struggle was her barrenness. For decades she waited for the child God had promised. In her impatience, she gave her Egyptian maid Hagar to Abraham, resulting in the birth of Ishmael. This decision brought lasting conflict into the household, but it did not nullify God's promise.

When three heavenly visitors announced that Sarah would bear a son within a year, she laughed in disbelief, saying, "After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?" Yet God's word proved true, and at ninety years old, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, whose name means "laughter" – transforming her skeptical laugh into joyful laughter.

Sarah protected Isaac's inheritance by insisting that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. Though this seemed harsh, God confirmed it was the right course. Sarah died at 127 years old in Hebron and was buried in the cave of Machpelah, the first portion of the Promised Land Abraham owned. The New Testament honors Sarah as a model of faith and a woman who trusted her husband while ultimately trusting God.