Supporting Role - Sarah Edwards

1710–58

“There are no small parts, only small actors.” That old theater line affirms the value of supporting roles, on stage and in life. The story of Sarah Edwards brings some clarity to that saying. Sarah played the supporting role to her husband, Jonathan Edwards—a small part, you might think, but actually there was nothing small about it.

Jonathan was a highly influential preacher, a key figure in the Great Awakening, a revival of faith that swept through the American colonies in the mid-1700s. He was a scholar even more than a speaker, and some still regard him as America’s greatest theologian.

Sarah was as knowledgeable about the Bible as her husband. Her faith was as strong as his. Yet, while he received recognition for his stirring sermons and deep books, Sarah’s contributions were never in the spotlight. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

Jonathan respected Sarah’s knowledge and wisdom. When he was holed up in his study working, he always welcomed Sarah and listened to what she had to say. The conversations in that study surely influenced the great preacher’s sermons.

Legend has it that Jonathan would plan his sermons and books as he went horseback riding through the countryside. He would jot down his thoughts on notes that he’d pin to his coat. Upon his return, it was Sarah who took the notes from his coat to organize them so that Jonathan’s thoughts did not get lost.

Without the support of Sarah, Jonathan could not have been the influential preacher that he was. When historians explain the Great Awakening, it’s Jonathan they crow about, not Sarah. But she was no “small actor.” If she had viewed her role as small and inconsequential, Jonathan could not have had such an influence.

When God puts you in the supporting role to a main character who is doing something big, it’s because you are the exact support that person needs. If you see your role as lesser because there’s no spotlight, think about Sarah Edwards. She might not have had the lead part, but her role was certainly not unimportant.

I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Galatians 1:10