But God...

BUT GOD... 

I can't help but love Hagar.

In the midst of her messes, the Father took notice of her; and spoke directly to her- twice!

The whole experience must have been absorbed into her core, THAT'S  how amazing it had to have been. What a precious and gracious gift that she could cling to when the storms of life came. 

The first time HE speaks, 

 He says, "Where have you come from? And where are you going?"

 I love how the Father lovingly initiates dialogue and pursues us! He gives us room to consider where we are at. He doesn't bash us over the head, pointing out our sin. He is gentle, and patient and wise.

The text continues:

 She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me, ” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 16:13,14

Ah, to know that the LORD sees me, exactly where I'm at -with all of my stuff, and desires to give me comfort and guidance, in spite of it all. 

The second time He speaks, Hagar finds herself in the middle of another marital spat. She and her son are thrown out a second time, and she is left penniless, hungry and left to die in the desert. 

"...she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.  And God was with the boy, and he grew up."

Genesis 21:16-20

A sweet reminder to hold my guys close as they navigate a season of change, while in so doing, reaffirming my own call and purpose for ministry at home with them. This really was an answer to prayer.
(So encouraged.)
He is the Father Who sees, and hears.