Learning From the Old Testament Greats: Abraham – The Father of FaithSample

Day 5: Hagar and Ismael 

Thoughts on the Passage

Hagar
Someone with a promise.
Someone dealing with a mean boss.
Someone with a bad attitude.
Someone like us.

Hagar was a maid who became the woman who would bear Abraham’s first child. That made the child special and it made Hagar special. She let it get to her head and she did some foolish things. She did not recognize that God had a promise for Sarah and treated her like someone whom God had bypassed. She was wrong.

Sarah treated her badly – that was wrong. She treated Sarah with dishonor – that was wrong. She ran away – God sent her back. Lots of wrong things, but God showed up anyway.

Hagar was given a promise from God to help her through the tough times. She received this special word because of the affliction she faced. God helped her and gave direction to her because of the things she was suffering. That is good news for everyone who faces tough times today. 

Hagar calls the location of the well “where God sees”. God saw her affliction, her flight, and her fears. God not only saw, but God spoke into them. 

Application to our Lives

When I am struggling, God sees. When I am I facing injustice, God sees. When I need direction, God sees. GOD ANSWERS. 

Where do I need answers for my situation? God.

Time to Pray

Father, I am surprised by Your love for Hagar even though she made some bad decisions. I see You showing up in a place where she did not expect help from You. You had a destiny in mind for her child, and You showed up to give her hope and direction. It was not the things she wanted to do (going back to Sarah), but You knew what was best. Today, as I face difficult things (even things I bring on by my own actions), I know that You see. I know that You have great plans. I know that You will speak into my situations. You will speak into each person this way if we are willing to listen to You. So speak to us today because You see. In Jesus name, Amen.