The Reminder

Genesis 16:7-8a: “The angel of the Lord found her by a spring in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. And he said, ‘Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?'”

Amid our journeys through life, there are moments when we feel lost, uncertain, and without a clear sense of purpose. We may find ourselves wrestling with our circumstances, searching for meaning and direction. It is during these times that God, in His infinite love and grace, comes to remind us of our true identity.

“Ah Ha” of the Lord

The story of Hagar, an Egyptian slave employed by Abraham and Sarah, teaches us about the transformative power of encountering the presence of God. Hagar was used, mistreated, and cast out into the wilderness. In her desperation and isolation, the angel of the Lord, the “malak yahweh,” appeared to her. Now, I like to refer to this particular angel as the “Ah Ha” of the Lord. He was not your ordinary angel, and when he presented himself, it was always to remind the person of who they were and what their purpose was. In his conversation with Hagar, he and asked two profound questions: “Where have you come from and where are you going?”

These questions go beyond geographical references; they delve into the depths of Hagar’s identity and purpose. In her brokenness and uncertainty, God sought to remind her of who she truly was. He saw her and He spoke her name. God KNEW her! Hagar may have lost herself, but God knew exactly where she was. Moreover, despite her current wilderness, God revealed a divine plan for her life and declared that she and her son would be blessed.

God Knows You

Similarly, throughout Scripture, we see God continuously visiting His people, reminding them of their identity and their purpose. From creation to revelation, the theme of identity resonates, for God knows that we will either live UP TO or DOWN TO who we believe we are. Our actions, attitudes, and decisions are directly affected and shaped by how we see ourselves.

The world may be mistreating you and you may be cast off and dismayed. Perhaps you feel completely lost, but God knows right where you are! Remember where you came from and stay focused on where you are going… God has a plan for you that is BIG and YOU are a perfect fit for that plan.

It is so important that you live in the “Ah Ha” of God. Allow ourselves to be continuously amazed by your God design and your God purpose. Seek the Holy Spirit daily for a fresh reminder and be in awe of what He is doing in you and through you.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you feel lost or uncertain about your identity and purpose?
2. How have external circumstances and the opinions of others influenced your perception of yourself?
3. Are there any lies or negative beliefs about yourself that you need to surrender to God’s truth?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you for finding me in my wilderness and reminding me of who I am and where I am going. I rejoice in my God identity, and I embrace my purpose. I declare that there is no wilderness that can pluck me out of your plan, and there is no circumstance that disqualifies me for your blessings.

I am blessed.
I am a child of God.
I have purpose.

In Jesus name, amen!