We have received emails of painful stories from people who were abandoned by their own families. Husbands have abandoned their wives for another woman and wives their own husbands. Some of the family members have abandoned their aged parents, or children when they could not cope up with their obsession or illness. Whenever I go through their prayer requests the story of Hagar mentioned in Bible comes into my mind.
God included every passage in the Bible to teach us something new. The story of Hagar was included in the Bible for a very specific reason. It explains how much God cares for those who are abandoned and helpless. Even though we go through loneliness and feel we are alone, Jesus never leaves us. He is right next to us. He never abandons us.
Hagar was sold as a slave to Abraham's family. Her master Sarah and Abraham were childless and old. When Abraham was about eighty-six years old, His wife Sarai asked him to marry Hagar. There was nothing wrong with the marriage arrangement as it was the custom during those days. So Abraham married Hagar and she became pregnant. For Hagar, it is a marriage with an old man without her consensus. As a slave, she does not have any say or right to object. Soon she gave birth to a son, Ismael. But after thirteen years, Abraham and Sarai had their own son, Isaac. At this point Sarah wanted Hagar and Ismael to leave her home. Abraham obliged and sent Hagar away.
Hagar suddenly lost her identity. She was hoping her son would be the only heir of Abraham's massive wealth. But after the birth of Isaac, her future was dashed to pieces. She was forced to marry a man and bear his child. Then asked to leave their home. Life as a slave was better than complete abandonment by everyone. Hagar was abandoned by her husband Abraham and her master Sarah.
The Bible says, "she(Hagar) wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba." Hagar's life lost direction and purpose. She quickly ran out of water. In the heat of the desert without any source of help and water, death was imminent for her and her teenage son, Ishmael. As she saw her son collapsing under the heat, she left him under the bush and sat far away. She did not want to see him die before her eyes. Her life became hopeless and her life is about to end in a matter of hours. Her heart was heavy. Then came hope in the form of a voice from heaven. An angel from God called her out and said, "Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants." God showed Hagar a well full of water. I wonder how is it possible to find a well full of water to brim in a desert land. But God works beyond human logic and gives a new dimension to the word "miracle" every time he acts. How can a mere human question God's logic?
When Hagar thought everything was over, God came to her help. The Bible went on to say, "God was with the boy (Ishmael) as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, and he settled in the wilderness of Paran." God of heaven became the father of Ishmael. When everyone abandoned Hagar, God took over her life. He not only gave her hope and life but a new purpose and direction.
Dear friend, are you abandoned and looking for a source of hope and comfort? Are you feeling hopeless and left alone by the people you have loved & trusted most? Your life may not be different than Hagar's life. The God who helped Hagar is still the same. He has not changed. His arms have not been shortened. His love for humanity has not decreased. He is still alive and watches over you right now. Jesus is with you right now. He never leaves you alone. Your spouse might have left you for someone else. But our heavenly Father will never leave us. Whenever the feeling of abandonment comes to your mind remember Hagar and her teenage son.
Dear friend, let's pray to Jesus. Like Hagar cried out, let's cry out to God. Your tears will never go in vain. The Bible says, "The Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, And He will take away the disgrace of His people from all the earth; For the Lord has spoken." Please join with us and pray the below prayer by placing your hand on your heart.
Dear Jesus, thank you for explaining that you never abandon me nor forsake me. Even though everyone close to leave me, you are my heavenly father, who will not let me down. I know you are here with me right now listening to my prayers. You are God of miracles. Similar to how you helped Hagar, please show me the way forward. I believe you will watch over me. You will fight my battles. You will surely wipe away all my tears. You are my rock and the God in whom I put my trust. Let me follow you with all my heart. Let me put my trust in you. You are my protector. In your arms, I will take shelter. Forgive all my past. Wash me with your precious blood. Make me as your dear child. Let me come out of my past. Remove all the hurt and the pain from my life. Hold my hands and lead me. In Jesus's name, I pray. Amen.
Dear friend, you might feel abandoned but you are not alone. Jesus is with you. He knows how to lead the rest of your life. We are praying for everyone who comes to our website. May Jesus bless you and make you a blessing for many.
We are praying for you. Jesus will surely bring peace and joy in your life. He will release you from all your problems. May God bless you and make you a blessing for many.
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