The lives of Sarah and Deborah, two women from the Old Testament, show us different ways to have faith. Sarah's story is all about waiting and trusting in God's timing, while Deborah's is about taking action and being a leader. Both of their stories teach us that faith can mean being patient and waiting for God's promises to come true, or it can mean being bold and taking action when we feel God's guidance.
Sarah's faith was tested as she waited for many years to have a child, as God had promised. Despite moments of doubt and frustration, she continued to trust in God's plan. Eventually, she gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90, showing that God's promises do come true, even if it takes a long time. Sarah's story reminds us that having faith often means being patient and trusting that God's timing is perfect, even when we don't understand it.
 
On the other hand, Deborah's faith was all about taking action. She was a leader who didn't hesitate to act when she felt God calling her. She inspired others to fight against their oppressors and showed that faith can also mean being bold and confident in God's guidance.
 
Sarah and Deborah's stories show us that faith can take different forms. Sometimes we need to be patient and wait for God's timing, and other times we need to be bold and take action. Both kinds of faith are important in our journey with Christ.
 
As I said last week, the stories of Ruth and Esther in the Old Testament highlight the powerful role identity plays in shaping one’s destiny. Ruth’s loyalty and willingness to take on a new identity led her to find acceptance and a significant role in her new community, even becoming part of King David's lineage. Her story teaches us that identity can be transformative, and by embracing new challenges, we can find belonging and purpose in unexpected places.
 
In contrast, Esther's story revolves around the concealment and eventual revelation of her Jewish identity. As queen of Persia, Esther hides her heritage for safety but reveals it at a crucial moment to save her people from destruction. Her story teaches us that sometimes our identity must be protected, but there are times when embracing our identity can make all the difference. Esther’s courage shows that identity is not just personal but can impact the lives of members of our community.
 
Faith plays equally important but contrasting roles in the lives of Sarah and Deborah. Sarah teaches us about patience and trusting in God’s timing. Deborah, on the other hand, exemplifies faith in action. As a judge and prophetess, she leads Israel to victory, showing that faith sometimes requires bold leadership and the courage to act when called. Together, these stories remind us that waiting and action, adaptation and recollection rooted in faith, are essential to living a life aligned with God’s will.