Hagar, Seen By God
Hagar, a slave girl in the book of Genesis, lived a life filled with hardship and turmoil. Her story is one of abandonment, isolation, and desperation, yet it is also a story of hope, resilience, and a deeper understanding of God’s love and provision.
Hagar was a slave in the household of Sarah, who was unable to have children. In an effort to fulfill God’s promise of offspring, Sarah allowed her husband, Abraham, to father a child with Hagar. The result of this union was Ishmael, but as time passed, Sarah gave birth to a son named Isaac, and Hagar and Ishmael were cast out into the wilderness.
It was in this wilderness that Hagar found herself destitute, isolated, and forgotten. She felt lost, abandoned, and hopeless, yet it was in this place of desperation that she encountered God in a deeper way. God appeared to Hagar and spoke to her, assuring her that He was with her and that He had a plan for her and her son. This encounter with God filled Hagar with hope and strength, and she returned to her former household with a newfound sense of purpose and determination.
However, Hagar’s struggles were far from over. Despite God’s promise, she continued to face challenges and obstacles, and at times she may have felt as though God had forsaken her. Yet, through it all, Hagar held onto her faith and trust in God, knowing that He was with her and that He had a purpose for her life.
In many ways, Hagar’s story is a reminder that God is always with us, even in the darkest and most trying of circumstances. Her journey in the wilderness teaches us that God is a God of grace and compassion, who never forsakes those who put their trust in Him.
Hagar’s story also reminds us of the importance of resilience and perseverance. Despite the difficulties she faced, Hagar never lost hope, and she always looked to God for strength and guidance. Her unwavering faith and determination serve as an inspiration to all who struggle with feelings of abandonment and despair, reminding us that God is always there for us and that we too can find hope and strength in Him.
Furthermore, Hagar’s story teaches us about God’s plan for our lives. Despite her difficult circumstances, God had a purpose for Hagar and her son, and He was always working to bring that plan to fruition. This truth can be a source of comfort and encouragement to us, reminding us that God has a plan for each of us and that He is always working to bring that plan to pass, even when things seem hopeless.
In conclusion, Hagar’s story in the book of Genesis is one of hope, resilience, and a deeper understanding of God’s love and provision. Her journey in the wilderness teaches us about the importance of faith and perseverance and reminds us that God is always with us, even in the darkest of circumstances. May we learn from Hagar’s example, and hold onto our faith in God, no matter what challenges we may face.
Jori O’Neale is an author, ordained Minister, bible teacher, and the CEO of IYH Innertainment LLC, a faith-based entertainment company. She is the wife to one amazing husband, mother to four miraculous children, and teacher to hundreds of NYC youth. Check out her podcast “30 minutes of Power”, a podcast dedicated to motivate and inspire godly women to pursue their passions. Follow her @jorioneale on all socials and for more great content check out her author’s page on Amazon.
