#18 Secrets to a Purpose-Driven Life and Marriage

Lessons from Sarah for Every Season of Life

The Quiet, Unseen Seasons Matter

There are some seasons of life that we don't talk about enough; seasons that feel slow, hidden, even painful. Yet they are just as important as the ones where everything looks bright and promising. Today, I want to walk with you through a lesson from Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and share from my own heart about embracing your journey, no matter what it looks like.

My Story: Finding Peace in a Confined Season

I remember a time when I felt completely invisible. I was pregnant, exhausted, and confined to my room for most of the day. I ate in my room, rested in my room, and lived almost entirely within four walls. It was a hard season. I felt like life was passing me by. People even made comments, some calling me "lazy," and those words cut deep. I started feeling guilty and embarrassed, like I was not  "doing enough." But one day, while out on a short, weary walk, the Lord spoke gently to my heart. "Ijeoma," he said, "what is happening to you is normal. This is part of your journey in this season. Calm your mind and embrace this season." That word changed everything for me.

When You Feel Hidden and Unproductive

Maybe you are in a season right now that does not feel "productive." Maybe you feel hidden, overlooked, or misunderstood. I want to remind you today that it's okay. Seasons come and go. Each one has a purpose.

Sarah: The Strength of Silent Trust

Sarah’s story teaches us that. At 64 years old, Sarah followed Abraham into the unknown. She didn't know where they were going; she simply trusted God and trusted the man she was walking with. She followed quietly, not because she was weak, but because she understood the assignment. She embraced her journey with quiet trust.

Sometimes we want our voices heard. We want our strength seen. And there is a time for that. But there is also a time to walk quietly, holding God's promises in our hearts, trusting Him through the uncertainty.

To the Stretched and Unseen Woman

If you are a young wife, a new mother, or someone stepping into a new chapter, I want you to hear me: it's okay if you feel stretched. It's okay if you feel unseen. That season is doing a deep, precious work in you. Don't rush out of it. Don't despise it. Embrace your journey with quietness and trust.

Marriage Is a Mission, Not Just a Milestone

Another beautiful lesson from Sarah's life is this: Marriage is a partnership in purpose.

When Sarah married Abraham, unknown to her, she wasn't just marrying a man; she was joining a mission. Abraham was  called by God, but Sarah’s willingness to follow was crucial. God's promise to Abraham could not be fulfilled without Sarah. She was essential to the plan.

Too often, people think marriage is the final goal: "Purpose fulfilled, mission accomplished." But marriage is not the finish line; it’s the starting point of a new mission. Your marriage has a purpose beyond companionship. It is designed to fulfill a purpose in the Lord's big plan.

Choosing a Mission Partner, Not Just a Spouse

That’s why it matters so much who you marry. You are not just choosing a person you like; you are choosing a mission partner. You are saying yes to a shared assignment. Before you say "I do," and even afterward, keep seeking the Lord. Ask Him, "Lord, what is your plan for this marriage? How do you want to use us together?"

Abraham may have been the one to hear the call, but without Sarah’s partnership, the story could not have unfolded. In the same way, both husband and wife carry responsibility. It's not about one being "greater" than the other. It's about understanding God's design and following His order, because His blessings rest on His structure.

The Beauty and Balance of Submission

I know;  "submission" is not a popular word these days. But biblical submission is not about superiority or inferiority. It’s about order. It’s about two people working together, each respecting God's role for them, so that His purpose can be fulfilled.

When we approach marriage with that mindset, it changes everything. It gives us the grace to work through misunderstandings. It helps us lay down selfish ambitions. It reminds us that this covenant we are in is bigger than "me"; it’s about "us" fulfilling "His" will.

Your Ordinary Season Is Doing a Holy Work

There is no perfect marriage. There is no perfect season. But there is a perfect God who holds every part of your journey in His hands.

So if you are feeling unseen, unheard, or uncertain today, I want to encourage you: Embrace your journey. Trust the process. Lean into God. Your season has a purpose, even if it does not feel glamorous. Your marriage has a mission, even if it feels ordinary sometimes.

Sarah quietly followed, making it easy for her and her husband, Abraham, to remain faithful to the promise and to the covenant. Today, nations have been blessed, including you and me.

How may the Lord be working through your quiet obedience?

Until next time,

 

Ijeoma M Anyanwu

 

Highlights

  • Embrace Hidden Seasons
  • Sarah’s Quiet Trust Is a Model for Us
  • Marriage Is More Than Companionship—It’s Purposeful Partnership
  • Biblical Submission Is About Order, Not Superiority
     

Reflection Questions
What season are you currently in, and how might God be asking you to embrace it with quiet trust?

In what ways does your marriage (or future marriage) reflect a shared mission and partnership for God’s purpose?

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