'The Faithful': Why Did God Use Sarah and Abraham?

Ellen Mongan reviews the new 3-part series on the Book of Genesis, which debuts Sunday, March 22 on FOX.

God Uses Those Who Are Faithful

As you read the Old Testament, did you ever wonder why God chose certain people over others to use for an important purpose? A common theme begins to surface in the Book of Genesis: the faithfulness of these people to God. They all gave up something important to obey God. Sarah gave up her homeland and gained unshakeable faith. Hagar gave up her son to gain her freedom. Rebekah trusted God to choose her spouse. Leah existed in a loveless marriage but was blessed with many children. Jacob deeply loved Rachel, but Rachel faced years of infertility.

God had a destiny for all. “Their names were whispered through time from generation to generation. Their lives were connected.” Their choices shaped the generations that followed. They are good examples for us to follow, even today.

Life Lessons

Even though I have read the Book of Genesis many times, a movie has a way of offering insights one might have missed. Movies make the characters come alive in a way that lets you relate to their personalities. Even though I knew The Faithful: Women of the Bible was fiction, I took away many life lessons from it.

Sarah the Strong-Willed

Let’s take a look at Sarah, Abraham’s wife. As the film begins, Sarah, a strong-willed woman, walks in. Actress Minnie Driver plays the part well. She is “The Woman Who Would Bow to No One.” What was this strong-willed, independent woman doing? She was stating her case as to why she refused to marry a man chosen as her lifelong mate. Not quietly and in private, but rather loudly in front of the crowd. I guess you could say she had spunk to go against the tradition of her time. Sarah was bold and fearless. As the movie progressed, you begin to realize why God chose such a strong, independent woman in the bible for Abraham. Many women would have crumbled under the trials life presented them with. Not Sarah, she rose to the occasion each time.

Abraham the Faithfully Obedient

God had chosen Sarah for a purpose. Her "no" became a "yes" to Abraham and a "yes" to God. The actor Jeffrey Donovan, who played Abraham, did an outstanding job. He was God’s man and heard God’s voice. You could hear his respect for Sarah, even in his voice. He led with kindness, winning Sarah’s heart with the words, “I would be proud to be your husband, not to bow down to but to stand, shoulder to shoulder.” He meant it.

Sarah replied, “I will stand with you and bring you, children, many, many children.” They made a marriage covenant with God at the center that lasted a lifetime. It was their faithfulness to each other and to God that held their relationship together. 

Sarah and Abraham Journeyed Together

They began a journey that took them to many places, standing together, even life's ups and downs could not break their bond of love. Hand in hand, they journeyed on, knowing God was with them. Did they ever doubt? Yes, if you count the time that the grief of infertility caused Sarah to question, “Do you want another wife, Abraham?” Another time, Abraham found himself in a predicament where his wife was captured. Abraham fell to the ground chasing the men; his heart sank. His faith was tested, not knowing if he would ever see his wife again. Now faced with a life-threatening dilemma, Sarah did not bow down to men. Her faith was strong, and she depended on God alone.

Hagar the Humble

While in captivity, Sarah encountered a slave girl named Hagar, played by Natacha Karam. She did an excellent job of conveying tender emotions to get her character's points across to the audience. She was humbly obedient and endearing. At their initial meeting, Hagar instructed Sarah, “There is no way out of here. If there were a way, I would have found it.” God made a way out when there was none. God miraculously rescued both Sarah and the maidservant Hagar, and they were soon reunited with Abraham.

With eyes on God’s promise, Sarah and Abraham faced each trial with confidence and faith. Well, almost every trial. There was a time when Sarah was sure the promise was taking too long and decided to help God out. She offered her beloved Abraham, her concubine Hagar, to bear a son for them. Hagar agreed and signed a contract to give the baby to Sarah in exchange for her freedom. Abraham assented.

A Son Is Born

Ishmael was conceived, born, and received by Sarah as her son, as Hagar had promised. I could not tell who loved Ishmael more, Sarah or Hagar. The emotional exchange by Hagar as she handed Ishmael to Sarah displayed how difficult it must be to give your baby away, even if you consented to it. With a mother’s heart, Hagar declined the freedom she had longed for so many years, so she would not have to leave her baby, Ishmael. Sarah included Hagar in Ishmael’s life. What a beautiful display of love on both mothers’ parts!

God Transforms His People

Abraham keeps his word, “I would be proud to be your husband, not to bow down to but to stand shoulder to/ shoulder.” He respected Sarah and never lorded over her. Together they learned from each other and from God. God loved Sarah and Abraham, as different as they were; He used both of them for His purpose. As Sarah and Abraham walked with God, He changed them.

Sarah did not become meek nor gentle, nor did she hold back what she thought. She was bold, honest, and forthright. She said what she meant and meant what she said. She was the woman who bowed to no man from the beginning of her life until the end of her life. However, as you watch the film, you see Sarah's character transform. She bowed to no man, yet her heart bowed to Abraham and to God out of love. Abraham heard the voice of God and trusted in His promise to have a son. Sarah did not hear God's voice but trusted her husband's word and believed what had been promised to him. Sarah loved Abraham, Abraham loved Sarah, and both loved God. They waited on God, even though it was a very long wait; still, they waited. They learned that nothing is impossible with God.

The Longer the Wait, the Greater the Miracle

For a viewer waiting a long time for an answer to a prayer, this movie will give you hope. It will encourage you to hold on because your answer is coming, and our God is faithful. The longer the wait, the greater the miracle. Our Heavenly Father’s strong hand of everlasting love will hold you. He will never let you go. Isaac was the child of the promise. The promise was fulfilled after thirty years. Whatever you do, accept God’s plan for you! Along your journey with God, He changes you. You, too, will learn that nothing is impossible with God.

THE FAITHFUL: WOMEN OF THE BIBLE debuts Sunday, March 22 (8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX as a three-week event, culminating on Easter Sunday, April 5. 

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Copyright 2026 Ellen Mongan
Images: copyright 2026 Fox Entertainment Global