“The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” Hagar replied, “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai.” The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.” Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count. And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress.” – Genesis 16:7-11 NLT
She was desperate. Her life was hard, but was made unbearably harder by the people she faithfully served. In a moment of unthinkable haste, Sarai had given her servant Hagar over to her husband Abram to take to bed, in order that he might have a son. And now she was despised. Day after day, Sarai’s jealousy and anger was relentless toward her.
What thoughts might’ve been running through her mind as she ran away and sat by the brook that day? I cannot go on. My mistress hates me, and for what? Was I not obedient to her and Abram’s arrangement, despite my unwillingness deep down? Did I not agree and give them what they wanted? I feel used. Even betrayed. And now I have no one. I’ve no place to go. I’m lonely and afraid.
But her suffering didn’t go unnoticed by God, she wasn’t alone. God was watching and listening. He heard the groans from deep inside Hagar’s heart and He responded. He sent an angel to encourage her in the moment she needed it the most. He sent an angel to provide Hagar comfort and hope. “The Lord has heard your cry.” (v.11)
Friend, our God is always watching and listening. In those moments when everything’s going exactly as we like and we ignore Him; In those moments when we’re surrounded by calamity and feel defeated. When our backs are against the wall and everyone is against us, or when we feel like the road ahead is impossible.
Whatever the hardship is, there is no problem too big for the Lord who watches over his children.
“Return to your mistress and submit to her authority,” the angel said. You are pregnant and will give birth to a son, and you are to name his Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. He will bless you with more descendants than you can count.”
“Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” (v.13)
Praise and glory to the One who sees and hears us all! Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 