Hagar was the woman Sarah instructed to sleep with her husband in order to get pregnant so her husband could have a son. Remember, this was normal back then, but that doesn’t make it right. Sarah planned this when she didn’t trust that God’s promise involved her. After Hagar got pregnant, even though that’s exactly what Sarah’s plan had been, Sarah became jealous of her. She treated Hagar so awfully she ran away. However, an angel called to Hagar and told her,
Go back to your mistress and submit to her. — Genesis 16:9
The angel then instructed Hagar to name her child Ishmael, which means “God hears,” and the angel promised that her child would be a “wild donkey of a man” (Genesis 16:12). |
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You are the God who sees me... I have now seen the One who sees me. — Genesis 16:13 |
You are the God who sees me... I have now seen the One who sees me. — Genesis 16:13 |
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That might sound silly to you and me, but to Hagar, being a “wild donkey of a man” meant her son would be free and untamed. He would have freedom and would not be a slave like she was. However, God did say he would “be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him” (Genesis 16:12). His life wouldn’t be easy, but he would have freedom. Freedom was precious to Hagar, something she didn’t fully understand. She was a slave, and now she was in the desert feeling hopeless and bound to loneliness. God met her in the middle of her hopelessness and despair and offered her this promise. She went from being stranded alone in the desert to being assured that God was there for her.
Hagar responded by saying, You are the God who sees me... I have now seen the One who sees me. — Genesis 16:13
How beautiful is that — that in despair, through late nights as a runaway slave in the desert, and after years of being overlooked, used, and hurt, she realized that she had a God who saw her? She realized that even in her despair and on her darkest day, God was there. He wasn’t far away in the clouds or just chilling on the streets of gold; He was sitting with her. He saw her, He knew her, and He was with her. So she listened. She obeyed even when it meant she had to go back to a place of hurt.
Boldness isn’t comfortable.
Boldness isn’t always without tears.
Boldness doesn’t always take place in a joyful moment. Boldness isn’t exclusive to the celebrities who talk about Jesus while accepting their Grammy. Boldness sometimes takes place in your low, in the hurt, and in the icky. Boldness is walking away from what’s comfortable and choosing to be closer to God rather than safe. -
Boldness can look different for each of us, but you can’t be bold unless you realize that your God sees you.
And when you realize God sees you, it feels like a hug from someone who cares. I’m lucky to have an earthly father who loves me well and gave me that hug after that hard season, but I know many of you may not have that. I want you, wherever you are right now, to look up. Your God sees you. Look around you; you’re not alone, and your God stands with you. Feel your heartbeat. Your God isn’t finished with you yet. Your despair may be real. You may hate hugs. Your pain may feel never-ending, but maybe, like Hagar, God is calling you to be bold and continue walking in this season. And you aren’t walking alone.
Excerpted with permission from What Will They Think? by Grace Valentine, copyright Grace Valentine.
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You’re not alone in your situation. Your circumstances aren’t hopeless. God sees you. Be bold in your belief in Him. Be bold! ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full |
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Share this devotion with someone who needs it today. |
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Buy this for your 20s-ish daughter - SAVE 40% - What Will They Think?: Nine Women in the Bible Who Can Help You Live Your Life Boldly |
$19.99
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In this inspiring guide for young women, Grace Valentine shines a spotlight on nine courageous women in the Bible who lived their faith boldly. In a world that pressures you to seek validation from others, learn to focus on what truly matters.
"What will they think?" It's a question that consumes many women and may even stop them from living the lives God has called them to live. Whether it's don't be too loud, don't be too aggressive, or your role is to be a sidekick for men, women struggle to live a life that is about pleasing others—but Scripture describes women who actually did the opposite. In this third release from popular blogger and podcaster Grace Valentine, What Will They Think? features the stories of nine incredible women in the Bible, including Esther, Deborah, Sarah, Mary Magdalene, and Tabitha. These women did not bend to peer pressure or seek to people-please but instead turned their focus on God. |
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This book contains: - Inspiring and motivating stories of strong women who lived courageously in their faith
- Practical steps on how to stop caring what others think and focus on what truly matters
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Personal stories from Grace's life and her own struggle to stop focusing on the opinions of others
For inspiration found in the lives of these biblical heroes, What Will They Think? provides steps to finding the freedom to live life boldly and to stop caring about what others might think. |
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More from Grace Valentine |
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Have you ever wondered if you’re the only one who’s hurt, struggling, lonely, and confused? It’s not just you. Grace Valentine wants you to know one thing for sure: You’re not alone in your struggle. You’re not the only one feeling freaked out by the future. You’re not alone! |
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Have you had enough of not feeling enough? Grace Valentine identifies the lies that many young women believe about their identity and self-worth, sharing her own struggles with these lies and how she overcame them through her faith in Jesus. |
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"Prayer is a practice with God, not a performance. And the more we practice our prayer, the more natural our conversation with God will be.” - Chrystal Evans Hurst
Friends, let’s learn to pray and experience intimacy with God like never before! Sign up now and join us for the 28 Day Prayer Journey Online Bible Study with Chrystal Evans Hurst! |
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