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.” (Genesis 16:13 NIV)
No two families are the same.
Some have two parents.
Some have one parent.
Some have extra parents through second marriages.
Some are living with multiple generations in the home.
Each family has rules they are structured by. These rules can come from society and moral or religious beliefs. And not all people have the same rules even if their society, morals, and religions are identical.
For example, now don’t get your feathers in a fluff, one family may be okay with girls wearing pants and the other family allows skirts and dresses only. (Yes, even today.)
And there are manners some children are raised with where others are not.
Families have different dating ages that are allowed or not allowed at all.
Do you see how different each family is, and should be? God gives us the ability to reason, pray, and seek his direction for our lives and those we are raising.
Families have always been unique, no two the same. The story taking place in chapter sixteen of Genesis, a servant of Sarai, named Hagar, is greeted by an angel of God.
Why this great honor? Let’s look at what has caught the heart of God.
1 Hagar has run away.
2 Hagar was being treated very badly by Sarai, Abram’s wife.
3 Hagar is pregnant with Abram’s child.
4 Hagar’s pregnancy was Sarai’s plan.
Does this short list make you dizzy? It does me! (Read Genesis chapter sixteen if you want the full scoop.)
God chooses to stop and reveal his care and devotion to Hagar in the middle of her pain and confusion.
What family does not go through pain and confusion? And at times are rejected within their society or religion.
Hagar is seen and loved by God. He proves it by showing up through an angel. And this celestial being has a promise and direction for her. She leaves their meeting with a plan and a purpose.
Father,
We lift up all the families in our city. We seek your heart to comfort those who desire to be comforted. To bring community to those who yearn for it. And peace to families who feel torn apart. Thank you for seeing them, all.
It’s your turn!
What topic would you like to pray for over your city? I would love to hear. Please write about it in the comments.
First Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay & Second Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Until next week, Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,
Michele Marie Weisman
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
An appropriate story for the month of May. Mothers of all communities need prayer for wisdom and strength. . . always.
Great point, Dianne. i was not thinking of Mother’s Day when I wrote this. Thanks for pointing it out. I hope your Mother’s Day is blessed!