(Genesis 16)
While worshipping, yesterday, I began to think of the next woman to write about. The Holy Spirit brought to me “Hagar” when she was running from Sarai (later called Sarah). You see, this biblical story begins with a promise God made to Abram (later called Abraham). The promise consisted of Abram having a son in his old age with his wife Sarai. Abram could not see this promise, nor could Sarai, so THEY intervened.
Have you ever tried to make something happen because it wasn’t happening quickly enough for YOU?
Well, they were the same, in come our woman, Hagar, a servant, Egyptian maid of Hagar, who was only doing what her mistress told her to do, which was bring an heir into the picture.
Abram had a sexual relationship with Hagar and brought forth Ishmael. Hagar only did what her mistress desired of her, but Sarai became:
1. Jealous
2. Despised Hagar for having Abram’s first son.
3. Sarai also felt despised because she could not conceive an heir for Abram.
4. Hagar was treated so badly by Sarai that she fled.
5. We also see Hagar letting pride overtake her because of the child she provided to Abram.
Can you imagine just having a child, but having to run from the person whose idea it was to have the child in the first place? Can you imagine not being wanted by the man who helped you conceive the child and him allowing the woman who despised you the most the power to do what she wanted with you and your child?
In the next scene, we encounter Hagar in a desert place, with her child about to die. But, God!
God knew about the whole situation. He knew where she was and what she was going through. He knew because He is called, “Jehovah Elroi” in this chapter, which means, “ the God who sees all”!
He does see all, child of God. He knows every situation that YOU are dealing with and promises He will never leave us nor forsake us!
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completelyHis.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and lay bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13a
God sent an angel to her to direct her the right way! Now the angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water and told her to return to her mistress and submit to her authority.
Did you read that! Return to the place you are fleeing from.
I would have to respond, “Excuse me, are you serious!”
Yes, God was serious. He not only wanted her to return, but he gave her a promise too!
1. Her descendants will multiply and become a great nation also.
2. You will have a son and name him Ishmael.
3. The Lord has seen your affliction, trial, suffering.
You see when we are at our weakest, God does see us. God will provide. Many of you have experienced this time in your life when no one defended you, except God. The God, who came to Hagar and made a nation out of her, is the same God we serve today. You are not alone. God hears the cries of those who are at their weakest and will step in just in time to help.
Can you share with us a time when you were in despair or alone and you saw the hand of God?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your word that says, “You will never, ever, ever forsake me. Thank you, Lord, when I feel alone, you send your ministering angels to help me. Now, help me to help someone else. Help me to take the focus off myself, and look to help the women or young girls who think no one loves them or cares about them. Help me to display the love of Christ, that sacrificial love, that He demonstrated for me. As He poured himself out for mankind, help me to pour myself out to others. In Jesus name! Amen.
“Are not the angels ministering spirits, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14
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