HagarPersecuted or Pursued?

Genesis 16 and 21

My precious family—Carey (hubby)Jordan (15)Jackson (9)

Many biblical figures experienced emotional pain: Jesus, Elijah, Paul…and today we’ll learn about another one: Hagar.

Sarah mistreated Hagar. Why? We’re not told.

“Holding grudges” is NOT a spiritual gift.

No matter how abandoned or alone we feel, we are never, ever alone.

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Ps. 34:4

We fear the unknown…we are human. However, God wants us to leave our fears in His hands and trust Him to help us do the right thing.

What are we afraid to obey God about?

God’s desire=restoration (not division). His ways are not our ways.

“So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

He may even ask us to return to, or remain in, a job, relationship or place that has caused us pain.

Why? He wants to guide us to a place of freedom in Him, instead of bondage.

This death to self is His way to build trust in His character…then He can lead us somewhere we can’t even imagine.

“ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds for mankind,for he satisfies the thirsty

and fills the hungry with good things.” Ps. 107:8-9

Hagar ended up in the desert for a second time.

God had compassion on her and didn’t let her son—or her—die.

In the midst of our desperation, God delivers.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” Revelation 21:6

God protected and guided Hagar and her son, meeting their physical and emotional needs.

The second time Hagar went to the desert (not of her choosing), she was FREE.

Hagar’s extremity became God’s opportunity.