Faith, Flesh & Promise: The Real Lives of Abraham, Sarah & Hagar
We know them as giants of faith. But they weren’t flawless heroes. They were deeply human—just like us. This 4-part series retells the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar in modern, honest words. It’s a story of jealousy, scandal, waiting, temptation—and unbreakable divine promise. Because their drama is our story too. Join us as we explore faith, flesh, and promise in all its messy, beautiful truth.
Read the series: Part 1: Sarah | Part 2: Abraham | Part 3: Hagar | Part 4: The Gossip Circle
Abraham Unfiltered: "I’m Not the Hero You Think I Am"
Abraham, 100, is the father of a newborn son. But behind the miracle is a journey of faith, failure, temptation, and learning to trust God's promise.
The Wealthy Nomad
Reporter: You were rich, famous, respected.
Abraham: “God blessed me—flocks, silver, gold. Leaders respected me. But none of it filled the hole in my heart for a son. I wanted an heir. It’s every man’s joy to have a child who carries on his name, who resembles him. I was successful in the eyes of others, but deep down, I felt like a failure. What’s the use of having it all with no one to pass it on to?”
Town Gossip: “He could’ve had any woman. Why keep waiting on Sarah? I was always available. Can’t y’all see I’m a fruitful vine? It wouldn’t take me 25 years to get pregnant.”
The Pressure to Produce an Heir
Reporter: Why not take another wife sooner?
Abraham: “People pushed me. They said I needed a son to inherit. I believed it too. God visited me supernaturally and made a covenant with me. I believed Him—I knew He was faithful. But after years of disappointment, my heart grew sick. My faith weakened, though I didn’t realize it. That’s when I began to wonder... maybe God meant it a different way. That was my weakness.”
The Hagar Decision
Reporter: Did you want Hagar?
Abraham (sighs): “I didn’t resist Sarah’s plan. Hagar was young, loyal. She looked at me with respect. Secretly, I hoped this might be the way. But I didn’t ask God. I took matters into my own hands. That—was my deepest regret.”
Town Gossip: “Oh, he enjoyed it. Don’t be fooled. He’s still a man.”
The Household in Chaos
Reporter: What happened after Hagar conceived?
Abraham: “It tore us apart. Sarah was furious. Hagar grew proud. I was caught in the middle. I told Sarah to handle it—cowardly, I know. I didn’t lead well. Truth is, I loved my wife—with or without a child. And I loved my son, Ishmael. But I had to do what was right for the household, trusting God to work it out for our good.”
The Dip
Reporter: Did you doubt God?
Abraham: “I laughed at the promise (Genesis 17:17). A hundred years old? Come on. But God corrected me. He said, ‘Sarah will bear you a son.’
It wasn’t easy. I had to confess His word daily and refuse to consider the circumstances. Sarah was in menopause. I was clearly aging. But I wouldn’t let those facts sway me. I kept praising God because I knew it was all in His timing.”
The Promise Fulfilled
Reporter: Holding Isaac now, what are you thinking?
Abraham (tears): “The son of my old age. The son of my longing. The promise kept. The promise fulfilled. God is faithful—even when I wasn’t. Even when I messed up, He was merciful. He visited me and said, ‘By this time next year, you’ll have a son.’
My failure didn’t disqualify the promise. Jehovah is merciful and gracious, full of compassion and abundant in truth. He keeps mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin (Exodus 34:6–7). That’s why I trust Him. That’s why I serve Him.”
Lessons Learned
Abraham: “God can be trusted. Don’t shortcut His promise. Don’t let doubt drive your decisions. Lead with faith—even when it seems impossible.”
“He believed the LORD, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)
Epilogue – Why We Tell These Stories
This isn’t just ancient gossip. It’s our story too. Waiting tests us. Doubt tempts us. Pride ruins us. But grace can redeem us. Faith, Flesh & Promise isn’t about perfect heroes. It’s about a perfect God who keeps His word—even to imperfect people like us.
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