A November Word form the Pastor
“What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.” Genesis 21:17
The story of Hagar is one of the more unique narratives found in the Bible. Some see her as a villain who was used to try and thwart the promise of God to Abraham concerning Isaac. Others see her as a victim, a powerless slave who was terribly mistreated for only doing what she was told. One thing is certain, God took care of her and her son Ishmael through it all.
Let me quickly recap her story. Hagar was a slave that Abraham picked up during his stay in Egypt. When Sarah, Abraham’s wife, could not bear him a son like God promised them, Sarah became impatient and told Abraham to conceive a son with Hagar so he would have an heir. While this may seem odd to us, this practice was a common one for that culture. That did not make it right. A lot of issues occurred because Abraham and Sarah could not wait on God’s promise.
When Hagar did get pregnant with Ishmael, Sarah became insanely jealous and mistreated Hagar so badly she ran away to the desert. God spoke to Hagar and she did return to Sarah, merely to be driven back into the desert 16 years later after Isaac was born. She and Ishmael only had some food and a skin of water to survive on. Once that ran out, she placed Ishmael under a bush and waited for them both to die. That’s when God showed up! He promised her that they would not die, but rather Ishmael and his linage would grow to be a mighty people. God then opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. God provided for her even in the midst of her most desperate time.
There are many lessons that can be drawn from the story of Hagar, but let me mention one—God faithfully provides in our desert times. When we believe all hope is lost. When all we can do is cry in desperation. When we are sitting there with no water, no food, no provision, no way out, no answers, God always shows up! He whispers His promises to our heart. He provides a well in our desert. He gives us strength for our weakness, hope for our despair, joy for our tears, clarity for our confusion, and provision for our needs.
You may be sitting there with Hagar, ready to give up, but God is speaking to you, “What is the matter..... Don’t be afraid....”. God has heard your cry. HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!! Hagar found this to be true, and you will too!
Pastor Chris