April 4 Hagar: Finding God in the Wilderness

Dr. Tracey-Ann Trail 
Kings SDA Church

Theme Embracing God’s presence in moments of rejection and despair.

 Imagine the weight of abandonment, rejection, and despair that pressed heavily upon Hagar as she wandered through the scorching wilderness, each step burdened by sorrow and uncertainty. Clutching her growing belly, the only glimmer of promise and hope, she must have felt utterly used and cast aside. Chosen to carry the child of promise, her status as a mere servant seemed valued yet only momentarily. The sense of worth she once received from Sarah and Abraham had quickly turned to resentment, dismissal, and exile. Then, alone in the wilderness, forgotten and forsaken, she wandered, wondering if anyone saw her pain.

Yet, unknown to her, hope was already unfolding. As she stumbled forward in exhaustion, her eyes caught sight of a spring of water nestled among the barren sands. Overcome, she fell to her knees, sobs of relief mingling with cries of desperation. Had God finally seen and heard her? Then the answer came, not merely for her present physical need. God sent an angel to remind Hagar that he never abandoned her, that He was with her, and that His promises remained steadfast. As the angel revealed God’s plans for her life, Hagar realized that God was not only with her but also had a plan during her suffering. Therefore, Hagar was not perturbed even when given the command to return to the place of hurt to face those who had cast her out. She had encountered and embraced the presence of the Almighty, the One who indeed saw her. Strengthened by this divine reassurance, her faith grew, and she knew that no matter what lay ahead, she would never walk alone, as she declared, “You are the God-Who-Sees” (Genesis 16:13).

We, too, face moments of deep abandonment, rejection, and despair. These are times when our cries seem unheard, and hope feels distant. Maybe you’ve already given up believing the lie that even God has forsaken you. But He hasn’t. He sees you. He hears every unspoken prayer, every silent tear. Reflect on the words of Psalm 107: 28-29: “Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm so that the waves are still.” Even in our darkest wilderness, God is present.  “He turns wilderness into pools of water and dry land into water springs” (Psalm 107:35).  

Even when those closest to you betray or abandon you, God remains. Hold on to his promises: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).  “I will be with you always, even to the end of age” (Matthew 28:20).  

Like the Psalmist David, you can declare, “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me” (Psalm 27:10). You are never forgotten, and God's promises will hold- “I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me” (Isaiah 49:15).

Today, take heart, our God is a God who sees. He sees our pain, fears, and struggles. He meets us in the wilderness with his presence, promises, and unfailing love.

Prayer: Lord, remind us that we are never alone. Help us to feel Your presence, embracing us in all circumstances of our lives. Strengthen our faith to trust your promises, knowing you will never leave or forsake us. Thank you for being a God who sees. Amen.