We have discovered some key qualities about this great woman from Shunem. She is perceptive, persistent, devoted, and willing. She is ready to receive the man of God at any time. And now he is here, in her home, in her midst. What does he do? He responds to her willing service by offering to do something in return.

God notices our service. He also knows our hearts. Did God need to ask her what her need was? No. So why did He not just tell the prophet? God allows a simple question to reveal her pure motive. This was her chance to cash in on God, to get what she wanted. Her response? In essence, she said she needed nothing. You see, her desire had been fulfilled simply by the prophet’s presence in her life. His staying in the extra room was all she wanted. That was more than enough.Our deepest desire can and should be filled simply by His presence in our lives. He is enough. Let me say that again. He is enough.

So he said, “What then is to be done for her?” And Gehazi answered, “Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old.” v.14

So, she has a need — a deep, painful, personal need. Why did she not voice this? Isn’t this her chance? Perhaps she had unbelief. Or maybe this need didn’t occur to her. (I wouldn’t ask another man for a son!) Or could it be that she just wasn’t looking for anything? Whatever the reason, this observation by the servant Gehazi points out a glaring need — she was barren.

Am I saying today that we should never ask God for something? Is it wrong to petition God with our requests? No. The scripture teaches us to come to God with every need, expecting His care, trusting in His goodness. But we should take care to inspect our hearts. What is our motive?

You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4.3

This woman’s heart held no ulterior motives. One simple question revealed that. If we wondered what her pressing desire might have been for getting this prophet in her home, we can now see that she was not looking for fame, influence, money, or a child. She had a heart that wanted God.

We can be like this woman. Invite Him in, serve Him gladly, be fulfilled with His presence. We can seek His will above our own, submit to His hand in our lives, accept His way with faith, and desire His purpose. When we pray and ask according to these things, He is glorified in us and through us. His presence is readily seen in us. Let us be great women who seek Him and His presence in our lives.

Next week we will explore how God fills barrenness. He is a wonder-working God!

Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food. And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.” And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there. 2 Kings 4.8-11

PAY DAY!!!

She desired his presence. She created a place for him. She watched and waited. And he came!!

We desire the Lord. We want to know Him. So we make a place. We watch and wait. And He makes Himself known to us.

Jesus himself said, “Abide in me and I will abide in you. You are my friends; no longer do I call you servants.” He will reward us with His presence and friendship.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11.6

He will come to us.

And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there. Then he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite woman.” When he had called her, she stood before him. 2 Kings 4.11, 12

The man of God called for the Shunammite woman. She came, without hesitation.

When the Spirit calls do we come? How often do I ask for something from God, such as more opportunity to be hospitable, or a greater level of knowing Him, or the ability to minister healing, or more of His presence in my life — but when it comes, is it ever convenient and easy? Hardly ever. There usually seems to be sacrifice accompanying growth in God.

Here we are. Jesus has now made us friends of God. As friends who long to know the Lord, we must be ready to hear and listen at any time.

“When he called her, she stood before him.” This is a waiting, receptive position. Like this great woman of Shunem, we must learn to quiet our heart. Stop saying what we think and just listen.

We’ve gained much understanding thus far from this great woman of the Bible. We’ve discovered the need to create a place for God in our lives. We know to watch patiently for His presence, waiting for Him. Now — when He comes, let’s be ready to hear and receive. Let’s learn from this great woman of Shunem!

Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food.
And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly.
Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.” 2 Kings 4.8-10

We learn here that she was a great woman, a notable woman — worthy of notice, in other words. There are few references by God to “great”women or men. Let’s pay attention and see what we can learn.

Was she already notable, or did this interaction which was about to unfold characterize her as such? I am not able to say. Any Hebrew scholars in the audience that would care to weigh in on that? For our study, let’s just assume that the story conveyed is worthy of notice, because she herself is in it! How’s that for simplicity!

1. The first thing I note about her is her determination and her persuasiveness. KJV says she “constrained” Elisha to come and eat. She prevailed upon him. She was one determined gal. Maybe even a bit aggressive. Perhaps she stopped him outside her home, and with persistent beckoning drew him to the table. “Come have something to eat. Of course you must. You are hungry. Just a little something. I’ve made it just today. It’s no trouble, please, just sit down and eat.”

But why? Was this about her gourmet food, her Martha Stewart like table setting? What was this motivation? Maybe the text provides a clue.

“Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God…”

2. Second thing to note: she was perceptive and confident of her perception; she trusted that God-desire within her heart. She saw God in Elisha. He was the real deal and she longed for His presence in her life. This man was her ticket in. Don’t forget, God’s people did not know the fullness of salvation with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God’s word came through His chosen vessels, His prophets. This woman was on to something. She was desirous of God’s Word in her life, perceptive of His work, and determined to find His presence. These are qualities of greatness.

Your words were found, and I ate them; and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. Jer.15.16
I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the Words of His moth more than my necessary food. Job 23.12

3. Here is the third thing to note. She was not only seeking God, but was prepared to invest time, energy, and finances into her quest. “Let us make a small upper room…” This would cost time, energy, and money, but that was no matter. She wanted him in her house!

We, too, must build a meeting place. True, our hearts are His throne, our body His temple. The place is established. He will meet us within — always and whenever. But we must keep our part of the bargain, follow through on appointed meeting times, clear the heart and quiet the soul. What does that require of you personally?

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord. 1 Chron. 22.19

Our woman was ready so that “whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there.” How much more privileged are we, His children, with ready access whenever! How glad our great woman would have been for such opportunity!

Jesus has promised great things to His people. For those of us remaining here, one of the best promises is His abiding presence with us.

“…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28.20

Let’s make a plan for greatness! It’s not all together unattainable. In fact, He has made it quite attainable! What do you need to do in order to meet with Him and experience His presence? How do you need to rearrange your life, your schedule, your surroundings so that you can take in His Word? Make a plan. Start now to build and strategize.

We can be great. We can desire His Word, pursue His presence, and perceive His will for our lives, right here, right now. Today!

Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

*****

The last thing I see in this woman’s worship is simply this: She gave her best.

“…she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.”

Since the beginning of forever, it’s been fairly common knowledge that when you intend to honor someone — and especially a king — you don’t bring him the box of junk leftover from last Saturday’s garage sale. That just doesn’t cut it!

No, you give something of worth. And when it comes to this King of Glory — this King of Love — the only gift we can possibly offer is our very selves. The willing sacrifice of our lives, our hopes, dreams, brokenness, failures, wants, and needs — this is the gift fitting for such a King.

Romans 12:1-2 says that such an offering is not just a good idea, but it is our reasonable service. It’s the only thing that makes sense. I mean, is this not the God of Heaven who reached down to redeem our souls? Is this not the Perfect Son who was accused, tortured, and put to death on our behalf? Of course He deserves our very selves!

But that is so easy to say, and yet we so often (and easily!) drift away. When we’re in that amazing moment, and we’re so overwhelmed by grace and forgiveness and love and majesty, we readily fling ourselves at His feet. We jump at the chance to say, “Take all of me! I’m Yours!”

That’s when our eyes are clear, and we see that radiant glory for what it is.

Then the week and the errands and the kids start to get crazy. Or the amazing catalogs full of everything we crave start arriving. Or we’re exhausted and “me” time sounds so…deserved and right. Or we just like life better when we’re doing our little routine and not worrying about moving to Africa and those starving kids. (In fact, let’s shut out all mention of starving kids — or abortion, or sex trafficking, or persecuted believers, or… you know. It’s knocking my groove off.)

And we start to cling to our puny little life like a little girl clings to plastic beads. Silly, right?

That little girl just needs to be shown a string of real pearls, and then I’ll bet she’ll let go.

And we just need to see a glimpse of Jesus and eternity, and then — then I’ll be we’ll be willing to let go, too.

Because this is the sort of song Jesus deserves to hear from us:

“Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so Divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Does the power of His love and the fullness of His grace so overwhelm you that you are eager, even desperate, to give Him your very best? Is He the pearl of great price for which you would gladly sell all you have?

If you feel like something is lacking in your worship experience — if any of these three responses are not bubbling up within you when you’re in His presence — then I want to encourage you today: Ask for more. Expect more. But most of all, ask that the eyes of your heart might be opened to behold Jesus.

*****

As I end this little series on worship, may I ask you to click over here and listen to a song I wrote a few years ago? There you’ll find the words expressed by a heart that had grown cold, desperately desired more, and finally realized the answer lay in seeing Jesus. (play Bind My Heart.)

Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

*****

This woman had quite the worship experience with Jesus — the kind I long to have. First, there was authenticity, transparency, and brokenness.

Then there’s this amazing, overflowing expression of love. What is that all about? I want that!

“You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.”

Her worship wasn’t simply a declaration of “Oh holy God, untouchable Light, who dares to approach You?” There was this deep flow of love, the like of which she could barely express. How? How did it come to be there? And how can I have love like that for this Savior?

Too often, I think we recall experiences full of love, examine the current lack in our worship, and attempt to “put on” passionate love for the Lord. May I suggest that our efforts would result in more if we put them into seeking a true glimpse of Jesus, rather than in trying to turn our stony hearts into beating flesh?

I think this woman saw Jesus for what and who He was: Love.

And knowing Love, her response was to give her own, freely. In abundance.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Jesus is the personification of Love we don’t deserve. It doesn’t take a theologian to be slayed by the power of His passion for us. No, we only need a glimpse of Jesus, the Lamb standing as though slain. Jesus, the centerpiece of heaven, bearing the scars of disfiguration for all of eternity.

I’ll never forget a powerful encounter I once had. I was at a New Attitude conference. We were in worship — thousands of us, exalting and declaring and reveling in our victorious Jesus. Then the speaker painted a word picture. It was heaven. Angels worshiping. Crowns being cast down. And Jesus, beautiful, glorious Jesus, clothed in light forever, reaching out His hands to welcome me — me, unworthy, made worthy and welcomed into this beautiful light of holiness; me, born into sin and iniquity, dressed in a glowing white radiance not unlike His; me, marred by rebellion, made new and able to enjoy this perfection for the rest of eternity. His hand reached out to welcome me, and suddenly, I saw the wounds. All of this perfection all around me, all of this beauty, every trace of tears and sadness wiped away — and yet He bore these wounds. The Perfect One would forever bear scars, be marred, all so that I could wear this white, this holiness, this relationship.

Suddenly, I was that woman. My tears flowed endlessly. Love was not something I “put on” in that moment. No, it flowed from the depths of my heart, overflowing, inexpressible.

See, we only ever love because He first loved us. And when our love has grown cold, chances are, it’s because our view of Him has grown dim. What to do? Meditate on His great love. Don’t let the gospel grow old, a marker in your distant past. Amazing Love! How can it be that Thou my God should die for me! (I like Isaiah 53 and 54, to start with. What are your favorites?)

Finding a song of worshipful love is not just for us to feel goosebumps, though. Oh no! He wants our love! Only we, His redeemed, out of all creation, heaven, and hell, can sing a song of “I love you!” That’s our song! And He wants to hear it. He loves our love. And how amazing is that?

Yeah. That boggles my mind, for sure.

Does your heart overflow with love for Him? Is your response of worship the same as all of creation’s, or is there a song of love? When you worship do you see only the majestic Creator whose glory no eye can behold, or do you see the express image of that glory in the Son of His love, Jesus Christ? Today, is your love for Him fresh and passionate, stronger than any other desire? It can be.

“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord…”

Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

*****

I love this story. Doesn’t it just grip you? Aren’t you amazed by the power of this interaction? I am. I want to be in that room. I want to be that woman. I want that experience!

Guess what? I can have that experience! My interactions with Jesus, whether in the quiet (or chaotic loudness!) of my kitchen, or on Sunday mornings, accompanied by music and the voices of a congregation, can be this impacting. This incredible worship service — this meeting of broken humanity with holy God — can happen to me.

“And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner…”

The first thing I learn from this woman is this: she came to Jesus just as she was. Did she know there was no use in hiding it? Perhaps she’d heard Him preach, had seen His piercing eyes, had felt the twisting, tightening grip of conviction as she stood in a crowd. Whatever the case, when she slipped into Simon’s house that day, she came honestly, humbly, repentantly.

I crave authentic experiences with this glorious Jesus. My soul longs for Him, thirsts for Him, is absolutely desperate for Him. But an authentic meeting of my soul with His Spirit requires, well, authenticity.

That’s a cool sounding word these days, but when I try it on for size, it doesn’t always look so hip.

More often than not, in looks like me, broken, owning up to my sharp words. My grumbling spirit. My anxious and worrisome attitude. My faithless outlook. My negative judgments about me, you, and everyone else.

It looks like me coming face to face with how deplorable, to the point of being absolutely ludicrous, the state of ME is.

The more I do it, the easier it is, I find. Maybe like that woman, I already know there’s no point in pretending. God already heard me muttering on the way to church (I felt that conviction, tearing up my insides, refusing to let me be comfortable with such loathsome behavior.) What, then, is the point of waiting until the third, fourth, fifth song to finally come clean? Why not just realize that, just like her, I am “a woman in the city who [is] a sinner”?

And why wait till Sunday morning? The burden of this sin and striving is far too much for me to bear, even for an hour. No, better to start out first thing every morning, the moment the realization of humanity hits my consciousness (which is about 2 minutes after waking, for me.)

Better to just continually come to Him, the One we instinctively know can wash and forgive and change us from the inside out. I don’t like who I am, but hiding it won’t help. The only chance for change lies in me, coming as I am, to a perfectly holy God… who also, in His amazingness, happens to be a perfectly loving God, too. (Isn’t that amazing?)

Do you wonder why your encounters with God have been superficial? Does your heart feel like hard soil in the heat of summer — unable to even absorb the water you know you so desperately need? Could it be you’re not experiencing the soul-quenching, life-bringing presence of God because you’re not bringing the dead, dry parts of your heart to Him?

He can change us. We can know the crazy, miraculous encounter of this woman. Just come authentically, as you are — and find out how amazing His authentic power and love are.

Your adornment must not be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
–1 Peter 3:3-5

I love the last part of 1 Peter 3:6 — the potential of a life that’s not frightened by any fear! How awesome is that! But what’s crazy is Peter is talking about Sarah — a woman who was taken by two godless kings into their houses. I would have been afraid!! And yet, she was not afraid because she trusted in God. And in her story, the Lord cast Himself as the knight in shining armor who, not once, but twice, defended her honor and got her out of those awful situations. (And He plays an awfully good hero, you have to admit: “King Abimelech, You’re a dead man!”) Sarah knew — knew that she knew that she KNEW — that as long as she was walking in His plan, He was ultimately responsible for her safety and future.

Submission’s greatest enemy in our hearts is fear. Yes, we have to get over our stubbornness, our pride, our American feminist independence, our plain old preferences. But when it comes down to it, when the rubber meets the road, it’s fear that can completely do us in. I mean, let’s face it: we’re being asked to put our life on the line by a fallible man. That doesn’t sound very secure. And it’s not — except that God Himself is part of this equation, and He’s ready to defend those who walk in obedience to Him.

For me, this lesson came while still a daughter. For years and years, I submitted to my dad because, yes, I knew I was supposed to (Ephesians 6 and all that!), but also because why not? He was really, really smart, and always knew what was best for me. (What can I say? I have a really great dad!) Then one day, as adult decisions loomed, I suddenly began to wonder if maybe Dad could, you know, make mistakes! — and had to learn what it meant to submit because God said so. Now, as a wife, each time I come back to this issue of facing fear, trusting God, and submitting, I realize afresh that really, this is simply another call to total surrender — just another means used by God to bring me to a yielded place of radical devotion to Him.

Are you willing to take a leap of faith, and trust in God as He uses authorities in your life? Are you ready to let go of yourself and walk according to His plans? Are you willing to ultimately submit to Him as He molds and makes you into the image of His Son?

Week 1: Sarah: A Holy Woman

Week 2: Sarah: A Woman Who Chose Trust

Week 3: Sarah: A Woman of Character

Your adornment must not be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
–1 Peter 3:3-5

So what can we learn from Sarah, as we consider her story through the lens of 1 Peter?

First, Sarah had a submissive spirit. If we are going to honor God as we relate to authorities in our lives, we must first have a deep-down, unshakable conviction that this is the place to which we’ve been called. (Read Genesis 2:18, Psalm 144:12, and 1 Corinthians 11:3 to begin further study.)

Peter, when referring to Sarah and other holy women, says they were adorned with a quiet spirit. That may not seem to have much to do with trust and submission, but Peter isn’t saying these women didn’t talk much. Rather, the word “quiet” that’s used there means they did not tend towards contention and strife, but to peace and support. (Hooray! We can all be “quiet” and still be chatty!) Long before Abraham asked her to do these hard things, Sarah had begun adorning her heart with an attitude of peace and support. (How convicting! Can we stop now??!) So we see how being “quiet” ties in with submission, but here’s the truth: you can only have the adornment of a quiet spirit when your trust is in God.

Second, Sarah submitted to Abraham because she trusted in and obeyed God, NOT because she trusted in Abraham! These holy women first “hoped in God,” and then were submissive to their own husbands. What does it mean to trust? Well, I like this definition: “surrender; a firm belief in the honesty and reliability of another.” In Genesis 12 and 20, she was able to go along with and support Abraham because she truly trusted God with her life.

Submission is not a crazy idea someone had back in the Stone Age (as if there was such a thing…) God Himself has ordained this authority thing, and has chosen to execute His plan for our lives through it. Yes, God’s plan for your life will come to pass as you embrace His call to follow and place yourself under the authorities in your life. Honestly, submission is really about obedience to God. It might seem crazy at times. (Or insane; ask Sarah!) But the question God is asking us is, Will you obey me in this? Why would God promise to lead and guide us and then tell us to submit unless He planned on guiding us through the structure of authority? God will not contradict himself; there is no way true joy for you lies in disobedience, and there’s no way His plan includes rebellion.

Of course, submitting doesn’t mean we don’t pray for and appeal to our authorities. Definitely! If you’re married, your husband needs your prayers! He probably needs your appeals, too! Be the prophet in your home! If you’re a daughter, your father needs you to be praying on his behalf for wisdom! He needs to know your heart! But if/when prayers seem to fail, appeals are shut down, and your heart is not heard — God is still God, and He has plans to prosper you. (And He’s proud of you for obeying Him as you submit!)*

God doesn’t want to just lead us down our life’s path; He wants to build character. The issue for Sarah, for example, was not whether or not Abraham made a wise decision, but what her response would be. She wouldn’t answer on judgment day for his decision, but she would answer for her response. This was a test of what she was made of! And there’s so much more to God’s will than what we do; there’s who we are, and submission, while it is a means of guidance and protection (what we do) is even more an instrument used in the building of character, proven through our responses (who we are.)

Week 1: Sarah: A Holy Woman

Week2: Sarah: A Woman Who Chose Trust

*Have an issue of an authority demanding things contrary to God’s standard of morality? Those are important questions. Please feel free to send them our way.

Your adornment must not be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
–1 Peter 3:3-5

“Submission and trust are not just thrown in as two arbitrary qualities of the Bible’s good girls. The two go hand in hand. A true heart attitude of peaceful submission — free from worry, anxiety, or bitterness — is only possible when we find a deep place of trust in God. Sarah learned trust through difficult situations as she trusted God, obeyed in spite of her husband’s fallibility, and reaped reward.” (from last week’s post.)

Let’s take a look at the opportunities for trust in Sarah’s life. Grab your Bible and turn to Genesis 12:1-5, and 12:10-20.

First, we see Abram (not yet Abraham) receiving a word from the Lord to pack up and go. Go where? Well, to the land the Lord would show him. Huh. I don’t know about you, but I get nervous when we get in the car for a trip, and I have a sneaking suspicion that Ryan doesn’t actually know where we’re supposed to be heading. (Fortunately, the handy-dandy iPhone calms most of my fears!) Nonetheless, Abram packs up house, servants, animals, and his wife Sarai (not yet Sarah), and they all head out. Unnerving, I’d say.

And then, through a series of unfortunate events, we end up in Egypt, where the story gets a little kooky. “Say you’re my sister, so the Egyptians don’t kill me,” Abram asks.* And Sarai must have thought, “Huh. Nice for you, but what about me? If they think I’m up for grabs, who’s to say they won’t help themselves?” But apparently, she kept her mouth shut and, when asked, said she was simply Abram’s sister. Surprise, surprise — Pharaoh ends up taking her into his house, and just in the nick of time, the Lord shows up and strikes Pharaoh’s house with a plague. Things get sorted out, and Abram’s on his merry way, with Sarai, who just had the roller coaster ride of her life — or so she thinks.

Except now we turn to Genesis 20:1-18, and Abraham decides to pull the same stunt!! You know Sarah was thinking, “You have GOT TO BE KIDDING!!” But no, he’s not. Amazingly enough, Sarah again displays a profound trust in God, and submits to what Abraham asks of her. And once again, the king of the country they’re in takes Sarah into his house. (This is my favorite part:) God, once again, shows up to save the day as Sarah’s defender and tells King Abimelech that he’s a dead man, because he took a married woman. Again, things get sorted out, and they’re on their way. Phew. What a day!

Reading in Genesis, we might be tempted to wonder why on earth Sarah played along with these crazy schemes. We might picture her to be an oppressed doormat of a woman. We might just chalk it up to a strange and foreign culture. Fast-forward to 1 Peter, however, and we discover that none of those scenarios rightly capture Sarah’s heart. No, the simple reason for her actions was this: she hoped in God — completely — and was therefore able to submit to her husband.

More on this next week!

*Note: A bit of reading of OT culture, along with Abraham’s defense in 20:12, leads us to understand that Sarah actually was Abraham’s sister, and in those days, the familial tie was much stronger and more respected than a marital tie. A greedy king may have been tempted to kill the husband of a wealthy woman, but wouldn’t bother killing a brother, since her wealth would simply go back to her father’s house. I only reference this to point out that Abraham did NOT ask Sarah to lie. We are not required by God to submit to immoral laws (”It is better to obey God than man.”)

Your adornment must not be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. (1 Peter 3:3-5)

I’m going to take the next few weeks to look at Sarah, a woman the Bible calls “holy.” There is so much to be gleaned from the story of her life! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Peter refers to Sarah (and others like her) as holy. What qualified them to be defined in such a way? Surprisingly, nothing very “supernatural”. No bizarre signs and wonders, no glowing halos hovering above their heads. Wanna know why they’re holy? Because they trusted God and submitted to their husbands! Really? That’s it?? Obviously there’s more to these two things than meets the eye. Let’s keep digging!

Submission and trust are not just thrown in as two arbitrary qualities of the Bible’s good girls. The two go hand in hand. A true heart attitude of peaceful submission — free from worry, anxiety, or bitterness — is only possible when we find a deep place of trust in God. Sarah learned trust through difficult situations as she trusted God, obeyed in spite of her husband’s fallibility, and reaped reward.

Now, although we’re looking at a specific example of a wife and how she drew near to God as she rightly related to her husband, this is applicable to all women. In fact, I first did this study when I was 22, unmarried, and seeking to honor and submit to my father, even when it wasn’t easy. Submission is not simply for wives, or for a few seasons of life. God desires women to be under a covering of some sort in every season of their lives, and through this structure of leadership and authority, she finds protection, guidance, care — and an opportunity to trust God implicitly! (If you have thoughts or questions on any of that, please, let me know!)

Get a head start: Read Genesis 12:1-20, and 20:1-18.