Hello siblings
Recently a colleague shared a beautiful concept in her family – on international women’s day, all the females in the household are pampered by her husband. (They also return the favour on men’s day) While I cannot offer physical pampering to the women who read this devotional, I pray you are aware that you are blessed and that you walk in the fullness of all you are called to be. As we reflect on Emmanuel:God with us, I invite us to consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Genesis 16:13 NRSV
13 So she named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are El-roi,”[b] for she said, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?”
Emmanuel: God with us; the God Whom I (can) see
Wow!
Isn’t it something siblings – that Hagar, an enslaved woman would have had such a profound experience of God amidst her wilderness experience!
You remember her story, right?
Some say she was an Egyptian princess who became Sarai’s servant/prisoner of war. Of that we are not certain, but we do know that she was in Abraham and Sara’s employ, and of child-bearing age. Initially she was introduced as the solution created by Sarai AND Abram for Sara’s barrenness. However, relations went downhill, and became extremely toxic. Hagar was obliged to protect her own life and that of her child. It deteriorated to the extent that she felt all alone, and had to flee for her life. She also was taking matters into her own hands
Self-Check
When life gets us down, what is our default response – do we take matters in our own hands (to the detriment of others), or invite God in to direct our path?
Application
Hagar’s story didn’t end with her fleeing. Amidst her dismay, in the wilderness at the mercy of wild creatures, Hagar was approached by God. Despite the mistreatment she received, Hagar was able to find refuge with the God of her master and mistress. God saw her, God was with her. But even more importantly: Hagar SAW God!
Siblings, the God Who saw Hagar is the God Who sees us today. The God Who reached out to Hagar while fleeing is the God Who reaches out to us today. The God Whom Hagar saw for herself is still accessible f0r us to see and engage with today. Perhaps more so, as Y’shua Jesus has sent the Comforter to live within us and guide us along our journeys. Whatever the situation, even if it seeks to enslave us, wherever we are, may we be assured that if we can see and feel God, it will be well.
Sometimes being seen by God includes us remaining in a situation for a little while longer. Women, we cannot allow silence or the situation we’re in to cost us our focus. We ought to remain steadfast in the knowledge that God is still working things out for our good. May we opt to be solution-bearers for the Hagars of our times, those facing persecution for crimes they didn’t call upon themselves.
Point to Ponder
Despite her circumstances at the time she ran away, God saw Hagar, and allowed a woman to name God. Women, we matter to God. Just as much as the men. Blessings to all on this international women’s day.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
