God Sees: Hagar's Journey of Faith and Provision

Summary

### Summary

This afternoon, we delved into the story of Hagar, a character often overlooked in biblical discussions. Hagar's story, found in Genesis 16 and 21, is one of hardship and divine encounter. Hagar was a servant in Abraham and Sarah's household, and due to their impatience with God's promise of a child, Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Hagar had no choice in this matter and was used to solve someone else's problem. Feeling mistreated and unseen, Hagar fled into the desert, where she encountered the angel of the Lord. This divine encounter revealed to her that God sees her plight and cares for her, even in her lowest moments.

Hagar's story teaches us that God sees us in our suffering and provides for us in ways we might not expect. Despite being in a dire situation, Hagar was instructed to return to her difficult circumstances, which can be hard to understand. However, this act of obedience led to further divine provision and protection for her and her son, Ishmael. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's vision and provision, even when our circumstances seem insurmountable.

In our own lives, we may feel unseen and used, much like Hagar. Yet, the story reassures us that God is aware of our struggles and is actively involved in our lives. It challenges us to maintain our faith and trust in God's timing and provision, even when we don't see immediate results. The community of believers plays a crucial role in supporting one another through these trials, reminding us that we are not alone.

### Key Takeaways

1. God Sees Our Suffering: Hagar's story reminds us that God is aware of our struggles and sees us in our lowest moments. Even when we feel invisible and used, God acknowledges our pain and provides comfort and guidance. This divine awareness is a source of immense comfort and hope. [03:03]

2. Obedience in Difficult Circumstances: Hagar was instructed to return to her difficult situation, which teaches us that sometimes God calls us to endure challenging circumstances. This obedience can lead to unexpected blessings and divine provision, as seen in Hagar's life. Trusting God's plan, even when it seems counterintuitive, is a profound act of faith. [07:42]

3. Divine Provision in Desperation: In Genesis 21, Hagar and Ishmael are in the desert again, and God provides for them by opening Hagar's eyes to a well of water. This illustrates that God provides for us in our moments of desperation, often in ways we do not anticipate. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting in His provision is crucial. [10:05]

4. Community Support: One of the blessings of being part of a church community is the support and prayers of fellow believers. Hagar had no one, but we have each other to lean on during tough times. This mutual support helps us to keep our faith and trust in God's provision. [13:18]

5. Living in the Tension of Now and Not Yet: Hagar's story teaches us to live in the tension between our current struggles and the future hope of God's promises. This tension requires us to trust in God's timing and provision, even when we don't see immediate answers. It encourages us to look beyond our understanding and rely on God's wisdom. [17:13]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Introduction to Hagar's Story
[02:15] - Hagar's Hardship and Use
[03:03] - Hagar's Flight to the Desert
[03:53] - Divine Encounter in Genesis 16
[04:56] - God's Promise to Hagar
[05:49] - Feeling Unseen and Used
[06:42] - God Sees Us
[07:42] - Obedience in Difficult Circumstances
[08:47] - Hagar's Return and Further Hardship
[10:05] - Divine Provision in the Desert
[11:32] - Trusting in God's Timing
[13:18] - Community Support
[15:13] - Living in the Tension of Now and Not Yet
[17:13] - Encouragement to Support Each Other
[19:07] - Addressing the Needs of the Vulnerable
[20:44] - God's Provision and Our Faith
[22:32] - Embracing the Questions and Trusting God
[24:28] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 16:1-16
2. Genesis 21:8-21

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances that led Hagar to flee into the desert? (Genesis 16:6-7)
2. How did God reveal Himself to Hagar in the desert, and what was her response? (Genesis 16:13) [03:03]
3. What specific instructions did the angel of the Lord give to Hagar when she was in the desert? (Genesis 16:9) [03:53]
4. In Genesis 21, how did God provide for Hagar and Ishmael when they were in the desert again? (Genesis 21:19) [10:05]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Hagar's story teach us about God's awareness of our suffering and His provision in our lives? [06:42]
2. How can Hagar's act of obedience in returning to a difficult situation be understood in the context of faith and trust in God's plan? [07:42]
3. In what ways does the story of Hagar and Ishmael illustrate the importance of community support among believers? [13:18]
4. How does living in the tension between our current struggles and the future hope of God's promises challenge our faith? [17:13]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unseen or used, much like Hagar. How did you experience God's presence or provision during that time? [06:42]
2. Hagar was instructed to return to her difficult circumstances. Is there a challenging situation in your life where you feel God is calling you to remain faithful? How can you trust in His plan? [07:42]
3. In moments of desperation, how can you keep your eyes on Jesus and trust in His provision, even when it seems unlikely? [10:05]
4. How can you actively support someone in your church community who might be feeling unseen or struggling? What practical steps can you take this week? [13:18]
5. Living in the tension of now and not yet can be difficult. How can you remind yourself of God's promises and maintain hope during challenging times? [17:13]
6. Think of a specific way you can demonstrate God's love and provision to someone in need this week. What will you do to make them feel seen and cared for? [19:07]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and provision in your daily life? What specific actions or prayers can help you grow in this area? [20:44]

Devotional

Day 1: God Sees Our Suffering
Description: Hagar's story is a powerful reminder that God is aware of our struggles and sees us in our lowest moments. Hagar, a servant in Abraham and Sarah's household, was used to solve their problem of childlessness. Feeling mistreated and unseen, she fled into the desert. There, she encountered the angel of the Lord, who revealed to her that God sees her plight and cares for her, even in her lowest moments. This divine awareness is a source of immense comfort and hope, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our suffering. [03:03]

Genesis 16:13-14 (ESV): "So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are a God of seeing,' for she said, 'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.' Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unseen or used. How can you invite God into that memory and allow His presence to bring you comfort and healing today?

Day 2: Obedience in Difficult Circumstances
Description: Hagar was instructed to return to her difficult situation, which teaches us that sometimes God calls us to endure challenging circumstances. This act of obedience can be hard to understand, but it often leads to unexpected blessings and divine provision. Hagar's return to Abraham and Sarah's household, despite the hardship, resulted in further divine protection and provision for her and her son, Ishmael. Trusting God's plan, even when it seems counterintuitive, is a profound act of faith that can lead to greater blessings. [07:42]

1 Peter 2:20-21 (ESV): "For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

Reflection: Is there a difficult situation in your life where God might be calling you to remain obedient? How can you trust in His plan and seek His guidance in this area today?

Day 3: Divine Provision in Desperation
Description: In Genesis 21, Hagar and Ishmael find themselves in the desert again, facing a dire situation. God provides for them by opening Hagar's eyes to a well of water, illustrating that He provides for us in our moments of desperation, often in ways we do not anticipate. This story encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus and trust in His provision, even when our circumstances seem insurmountable. God's provision is always timely and sufficient, reminding us of His faithfulness and care. [10:05]

Isaiah 41:17-18 (ESV): "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel desperate or in need? How can you open your eyes to see God's provision and trust in His faithfulness today?

Day 4: Community Support
Description: One of the blessings of being part of a church community is the support and prayers of fellow believers. Hagar had no one to lean on, but we have each other to support us during tough times. This mutual support helps us to keep our faith and trust in God's provision. The community of believers plays a crucial role in reminding us that we are not alone and that we can rely on each other for encouragement and strength. [13:18]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to for support today? How can you also be a source of encouragement and strength for someone else in need?

Day 5: Living in the Tension of Now and Not Yet
Description: Hagar's story teaches us to live in the tension between our current struggles and the future hope of God's promises. This tension requires us to trust in God's timing and provision, even when we don't see immediate answers. It encourages us to look beyond our understanding and rely on God's wisdom. Living in this tension is a journey of faith, where we learn to trust in God's promises and His perfect timing, even when our circumstances seem uncertain. [17:13]

Hebrews 10:36-37 (ESV): "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to see God's promises fulfilled? How can you practice trusting in His timing and provision today, even in the midst of uncertainty?

Quotes

1. "Mae'r stori hwn yn ein hynod o ddysgu bod God yn ein gweld. Ac dyna'r hyn sy'n digwydd. Felly os ydym ni'n mynd i Genesys 16, rwy'n hoff i ddarllen ychydig o adnoddau i chi. Felly, unwaith eto, er mwyn bod gennych chi'r cyfnod, rydyn ni yma yn Genesys 16, ac mae Agos wedi mynd i ffwrdd." [03:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Y cyfnod hwn, y cyfnod o'r duw sy'n gweld fi. Dyna'r peth roeddwn i eisiau ei annog i chi y bore yma. Mae'r duw yn eich gweld chi. Mae'n gweld y pethau rydych chi'n eu gwneud yn agored. Mae'n gweld y pethau rydych chi'n eu gwneud i gael eich hun yn ddiweddol iddo ar amser. Pan mae pawb ynghylch chi'n gwneud eu penderfyniadau eu hunain, rydych chi'n ceisio gwneud y penderfyniadau iawn." [06:42] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Mae'n ymwneud â'r cysylltiad, mae'n ymwneud â'r hyder, mae'n ymwneud â hyder, mae'n ymwneud â chymryd mistri, mae'n ymwneud â llawrfawrwydd sy'n deall bod God yn y rheoli. Roedden ni'n ymchwil ar hyn yn y ddiwedd hwn yn yr iPod yr oeddwn i'n ei arwain ac yn siarad ychydig am un o'n gwerthfawr fel eglwys yw bod God yn dda bod yn cael ei ddysgu gan y dda." [13:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Rwy'n credu hynny gyda'r holl gair i mi, rwy'n credu bod duw eisiau leihau pobl. Rwy'n credu bod duw eisiau rhannu i'n bywydau bob dydd, ond dydw i ddim eisiau byw mewn gwirionedd. Rwy'n hoffi helpu ni i fynd. Rwy'n hoffi mynd drwy bethau, pan nad yw'n amlwg bod duw yn cymryd ni allan o bethau, ond nid golli'r llawr o'r rhwystrau, y cyfnodau hynny o ddarparu, a'r cyfnod anhygoel." [20:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Felly, i gydnabod, rydych chi'n cael eu gweld, rydych chi'n cael eu clywed. Dyna beth mae duw yn ei ddweud wrthych chi heddiw. Mae rhywun ohonom yn yr ystafell yn angen clywed hynny. chi'n cael eu gweld, rydych chi'n cael eu clywed, ac rydych chi'n cael eu darparu. Dyna beth yw stori duw, gyda'r holl gwestiynau ynghylch hynny, dydw i ddim yn siŵr sut mae hynny'n gweithio." [22:32] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Rwy'n credu, weithiau mae'n bwysig i ddweud, nid wyf yn gwybod, ond beth rwy'n gwybod yw'r duw, rwy'n gwybod yw'r duw yn dda, rwy'n gwybod yw'r duw yn hyderus, dyna lle mae fy ffaith i ddod allan i ddynnu. A yw hynny'n gwneud gwahaniaeth? A allwn ni ddod yn ôl i'r ddynion gweithio?" [22:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Ac rwy'n meddwl os ydyn ni'n gallu bod yn cymuned, a dwi'n meddwl ein bod ni, rydyn ni'n cymryd ymlaen i hynny, rwy'n meddwl bod llawer o'r hyn rwy'n dweud yn digwydd yn ein cymuned fel eglwys. Mae pobl yn casglu arall un arall ac maen nhw'n cefnogi un arall, maen nhw'n gofyn am un arall, maen nhw'n mynd i mewn a thrwy'r pwysigrwydd yr yw'r hyn y mae pobl yn mynd trwy." [24:28] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?