The Women Before Us Bible Study – Hagar

The Shunned Believer
The Story of Hagar

This week we take a look at Hagar, the servant of Sarah. Life isn’t easy as a servant. Add to that being used as a concubine, then treated with resentment and neglect, and life can look pretty dim.

As you read Hagar’s story, take time to contemplate the parallels with your own life. How has God worked through your pain and suffering to be your Provider and Protector?

Hagar means “One Who Flees”. This woman was the Egyptian servant of Sarah (Genesis 16:1) and the mother of Ishmael (16:15), who was the son of Abraham.

God had promised Abraham a son in his old age. When his wife Sarah could not conceive, she offered up her servant Hagar to Abraham as a concubine. (Genesis 16:3-4). When Hagar became pregnant, this made Sarah jealous so she threw her out to the desert. An angel came and spoke to Hagar in the desert, promising her a blessing over her child. The angel named the unborn child Ishmael “Good Heart”. Hagar returned to the household.
Fourteen years later, Sarah gave birth to her own son, Isaac. After observing Ishmael mocking Isaac one afternoon, Sarah once again cast Hagar, and her son, out into the desert. (Genesis 16:6-7, 21:14).

Hagar wondered around hopelessly until she ran out of water. She was sure that she and her son were going to die. God heard her crying and sent another angel to assure her that God had heard her and she did not need to be afraid.

The angel reminded her of the promise God had made to her. He provided a spring of fresh water. Hagar and Ishmael lived there and prospered. When the time came, Hagar found an Egyptian wife for her son and they had 12 sons of their own, all tribal chiefs.

KEY LIFE LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM HAGAR:

1. She was Strong ~ Hagar experienced prejudice, injustice, abuse, and despair, yet she never gave up in her efforts to protect herself and her son. (Genesis 16:6, 21:10)
2. She had Hope ~ God saw her and provided for her needs. He told her he would, and this gave her the hope she needed to continue on in a helpless situation. (Genesis 16:11-12)
3. She had Faith ~ Despite her difficult circumstances, she kept her faith in God and what he had promised. Yes, she did need a little reminding from the angel, but we all need a nudge sometimes. (Genesis 21:17-21)

Some Things To Think About:

Does your life mirror Hagar’s? Have you experienced the same things? Think of a time when you have felt the effects of abuse, injustice, despair, or prejudice…yet your strength helped you to overcome.

Think of a time when God has provided for you in a way that way greater than you ever imagined. How did that give you hope to continue on your journey?

Sometimes, it is hard to move forward when we are not sure of the road ahead. Have you been in a situation where it was really difficult, and the only thing that got you through was your faith in God?

This story of Hagar and Ishmael is a story that is common today. It is a story of exploitation and trafficking. It is a story of disability. It is a story of rejection.

Just as God heard the cries of Hagar in the desert, He also hears our cries. He knows of our heartbreak. He is in tune with our moments of despair and defeat. And just like He promised a brighter future for Hagar and her son, He promises us a brighter tomorrow. When we have faith, as Hagar did, when we believe, as Hagar did, God has some awesome promises for us. We should always seek our refuge in Him.

Our Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you are our refuge and our strength. We pray in faith for your promises, and we believe that you will hold true to them. Thank you for never leaving us. Thank you for being that thirst-quenching drink of water in our dry deserts. We praise you for your provision as we seek refuge under your wings. In Jesus’ name ~ Amen.