Abraham and Sarah stand out. Their story reminds us that faith never promises quick fixes or easy paths. On the contrary, it demands endurance, growth, and the courage to trust Yehovah even when the road darkens.
Every couple is a world of its own. Two lives, two histories, two characters shaped by unique family and cultural backgrounds. When those lives join, the family they form will be just as distinctive. No marriage is ordinary—yours included.
Among the many examples found in Scripture, Avraham and Sarah stand out. Their story reminds us that faith never promises quick fixes or easy paths. On the contrary, it demands endurance, growth, and the courage to trust Yehovah even when the road darkens.
When Faith Is Stretched
Jewish tradition teaches that Avraham faced ten major tests—each one tightening his faith like the strings of an instrument until it produced the tone Yehovah desired.
Some of those trials touched Sarah directly: famine, danger, abduction, humiliation, waiting, disappointment, and the long-delayed promise of a son. Their journey was anything but simple.
Yet in every struggle, Yehovah refined them. And as they matured, their marriage revealed something powerful: faith grows best in the soil of shared trials.
A Love That Endured
Avram was drawn to Saray’s beauty, only to learn she was barren—a devastating reality in the ancient world. Still, he remained loyal. He didn’t replace her. He didn’t look elsewhere. His covenant with her stood firm.
Later, in Egypt, fear clouded his judgment. He asked her to present herself as his “sister,” a choice that led to her abduction. Avram surely questioned himself afterward: “Why didn’t I trust Yehovah?” His mistake had consequences, but Yehovah intervened and restored Sarah unharmed.
Their story shows that even righteous people falter—but Yehovah’s mercy meets them in those moments.
“We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance…
and perseverance, proven character… and proven character, hope.”
Romans 5:3–5
When Sarah Felt Like the Problem
Saray eventually reached a painful conclusion: “Yehovah has kept me from having children.” Out of desperation, she offered her servant Hagar to Avram. It was her attempt—misguided, yet sincere—to help fulfill the promise.
But even then, Avram never replaced her in his heart. She remained the woman Yehovah had chosen for him.
Years later, Yehovah transformed their names—Avram became Abraham, Saray became Sarah—and the long-awaited miracle arrived. Sarah conceived Yitsjak (Isaac), whose very name means laughter.
“Elohim has made me laugh,” she said, “and all who hear will laugh with me.”
Love Beyond Death
Nearly three decades after Yitsjak’s birth, Sarah died. And even in grief, Abraham honored her. He purchased a dignified burial place—the Cave of Machpelah—ensuring she had a resting place worthy of her life and legacy, and reserving a space beside her for himself.
Their love endured trials, mistakes, shame, joy, miracles, and loss.
It was not a perfect marriage. But it was a faithful one.
The Example They Left Us
The lives of Abraham and Sarah remind us that a strong marriage is not built on perfect moments but on steadfast commitment—especially when life presses hardest.
They supported one another.
They forgave one another.
They respected one another.
They walked together until the very end.
May Yehovah give us the strength to face life as they did.
And may our lives become examples that our children and grandchildren will want to follow.