Genesis 15-16

Genesis 15-16

God cares for me, just as he cared for Abraham. He tells Abraham, "I am your shield. Your reward will be great." God heard Abraham's concern: he is childless. How could his offspring become a great nation? He was probably full of questions and concerns, just as we often are. God reveals truth to Abraham that no one else would know: about the sufferings of Israel in Egypt, the judgment of Egypt, and his deliverance he will bring to Israel.

Only God can have complete compassion on us, reassure us, take away our fears, deliver us, and speak truth that no one else has ever known!

In chapter 16, Sarai is lacking faith, choosing to take things into her own hands because she just sees herself as 'barren'. God can reverse any situation! So Sarai gives her Egyptian servant to Abraham, so he may have a son. Sarai is looked down upon by Hagar, the Egyptian servant, as a result of Hagar's conception of Ishmael. The interesting thing is: Sarai gives Hagar to Abraham, he obeys his wife too readily, and then Hagar's conception brings Sarai to blame Abraham. The problem with sin: tell someone to do something, then blame them when they listen to you… It is wiser to be obedient and trust God. No matter what our circumstances, we can TRUST Him, knowing His will is best and His timing is perfect!

In the midst of all this: Sarai drives Hagar away when she deals harshly with her, but it is here that this Egyptian servant encounters God. She "calls 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. (Gen. 16:13)"" What a wonderful picture we have here. Even when we are alone, fearful, and hurt by others, God still sees us and has compassion on us!

What really hits me in the passage is God says: "Fear not…I am your shield, and your reward is great." So often fear feels so much greater, but we need to surround ourselves with the reality that we are not alone. He is so much greater than our fears or whatever we may be facing. We cannot let those fears override who we know God is and what He is capable of. Our response should be to praise Him. In the midst of Job's circumstances, he bowed down and praised God when tragedy strike. Our response should be to praise Him. God can increase our faith, and move mountains as we keep our eyes focused on Him!

Ephesians 3:20 reminds us: "

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.."