God’s Word and Hagar

Week 32, Wednesday

Iva May

And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.”

Genesis 21:17-18 (nkjv)

Hagar’s ability to provide a surrogate womb for Abram’s baby moved her from the sidelines of the story to center stage. This pregnancy offered Hagar, who had spent her life as a maidservant to others, an opportunity to better herself. This hope ignited an attitude of pride toward the barren Sarai, and Sarai responded with harsh treatment. Hagar fled and found herself alone in the wilderness where she encountered God. God promised Hagar that her son’s descendants would become a multitude and dwell among his brethren; He also sent her back to her mistress and extreme circumstances.

This word from God sustained Hagar for the next thirteen years as she returned and submitted to Sarai. Although Hagar’s situation did not change, God’s promise to her regarding her son and his future changed her perspective. Her encounter with God also made her aware that God had her back—that He is the God-Who-Sees.

Hagar’s suffering came to a climax when God granted Sarai the ability to have Abram’s child, and she demanded Hagar’s departure. Years earlier Hagar fled of her own volition; now she was forced to leave. God again spoke from heaven and calmed Hagar’s fears, “Fear not.” He opened her eyes and she saw His provision. She now saw what He saw.

Hagar’s story teaches women two truths. First, though God may not change our difficult circumstances, His promises will sustain us while we endure our fiery trial. The psalmist captures this truth beautifully: “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:13-14, nkjv).

Second, fear and God’s presence cannot dwell together under the same tent. Appropriating God’s name “You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees” calms our fears and sweetens difficult circumstances with the very presence of God.

Heavenly Father, Thank You that even when I am in the wilderness of life, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees. Amen.