An Angel of God found her beside a spring in the desert; it was the spring on the road to Shur. He said, “Hagar, maid of Sarai, what are you doing here?” Genesis 16:7-8a
The book of Genesis gives a brief narrative of a young Egyptian slave girl. She is said to have been purchased for a price and given to the wife of Abram, Sari, as her handmaiden. I wonder who and what she left behind?
The Hebrew meaning of the name Hagar, is stranger. What was life like for a young slave girl, who bore the name of stranger?
Some would say the odds were stacked against this young slave girl. After all, who was looking out for her? Who would hear her whispers and cries for help?
God would — and God did. He spoke to her and she recognized His voice.
Could it be, that the voice of God was not unfamiliar to Hagar? One thing is for sure, — God was familiar with her. He spoke to her and called her by name. She was no stranger to Him.
She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, “You’re the God who sees me! “Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!” Genesis 16:13
Today, God continues to speak to the daughters of Hagar — and they hear His voice. God is attentive to the suffering of women in areas of the world where they live under the scorching heat of oppressive laws and rules. A place where being a woman is acceptance of a lesser value on one’s life. Where leaving the religion of your ancestors, carries with it a steep price. Where killing in the name of honor, is not only permitted — but obliged.
The God of Abraham is visiting women in unique and varied ways in the Middle East and North Africa. He is touching hearts through a myriad of different sources, including; neighbors, family, foreign visitors, the Bible, Christian programming, and dreams and visions.
God is relentless in His love.
In a far-off land the Lord will manifest himself to them. He will say to them, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love. That is why I have continued to be faithful to you. Jeremiah 31:3
Pray for women in the Middle East and North Africa. May they be intimately acquainted with the God who sees them and loves them.
Tami Yeager 