Outcast but Not Forsaken

January 1, 2003 - In what way have you, or your loved one, been an "outcast"? Perhaps through divorce? Or division within your church? Or dissension within your family? Or betrayal by a Christian organization or ministry? When God's people reject us, we feel that God has also rejected us. The feeling of isolation and loneliness can be so severe that it may trigger deep depression and even suicidal thoughts.

by Anne Graham Lotz

Read Genesis 21:1-21

God Cares About You
Genesis 21:1-16

Hagar, a servant to Abraham's wife, Sarah, was rejected by those who called themselves by God's name. When her son, Ishmael, began to persecute Sarah's son, Isaac, Abraham cast Hagar and her son out of his home. But she was not forsaken. God cared about Hagar and came to her in her desert experience.

God Cares About Your Hurt

From Genesis 16:1-16 and 21:1-16, describe Hagar.

How was Hagar's attitude in the home reflected in her son? (Compare Genesis 16:1-4 with 21:9 and Galatians 4:29).

How was Hagar's hurt her own fault? How was it also the fault of others?

Describe as many modern-day parallels to Hagar and her circumstances as you can. (Example: She was the second wife of a successful man.)

God Cares About Your Helplessness

After being a servant in Abraham's household for 25 years, describe how Hagar must have felt in Genesis 21:14.

When have you been treated badly by those who call themselves by God's name? How did you feel?

As someone who suddenly found herself as a single parent, describe some of the challenges Hagar faced.

God Cares About Your Hopelessness

From Genesis 21:15-16, what are some of the reasons for Hagar's hopelessness? Apply these reasons for hopelessness to circumstances today.

What caused Hagar to reach the breaking point?

What encouragement from Psalm 72:12-13 could you give to someone who is desperately hopeless for some of the same reasons?

What one condition for claiming God's promises in Psalm 72 did Hagar meet? Have you met that same condition?

If God cared about an Egyptian servant girl who was cast out by His people, what makes you think He does not also care about you?

God Comes to You
Genesis 21:17-21

God Comes With the Healing of His Presence

According to Genesis 21:17, why did God intervene?

When have you been blessed by the prayer of your child?

What hurting person are you praying for?

If God knew of Hagar's circumstances why do you think He questioned Hagar? Compare Genesis 21:12-13 with 21:17.

What were some of Hagar's fears? How are they similar to your own?

God Comes With the Healing of His Provision

How did God provide for Hagar's needs in Genesis 21:19?

According to Matthew 6:25-26, how will God provide for your needs?

Have you met the same requirement for receiving God's provision that Hagar did? Describe when and how you did.

Apply Psalm 147:3 to the story of Hagar—and to your own story.

God Comes With the Healing of His Promise

From Genesis 21:18, what was God's promise to Hagar? How was the promise fulfilled then? How is it still being fulfilled today?

From the following verses, give phrases that underscore
God's faithfulness to keep His promises: Genesis 35:3; Genesis 50:24 with Exodus 12:51; Daniel 9:4; Joshua 21:45, 23:14; 2 Chronicles 6:4, 15; Jeremiah 1:12; Ezekiel 12:28; Matthew 5:18.

What comfort for yourself or your loved one do you receive from each of the following promises: Psalm 27:10, Psalm 118:6-7, Isaiah 43:1-2, Isaiah 65:24, Jeremiah 29:10-13, Matthew 6:25-33, Romans 8:31, Philippians 4:19, Hebrews 13:5-6?

Although Hagar and her son Ishmael were cast out of Abraham's home, they were not forsaken by God. If God cared enough to come to them in the desert, why do you think He will not also come to you in your loneliness and depression? Bow your head and close your eyes and hear God saying to you, "What is the matter? Do not be afraid. I have heard your cry."

2 Comments

Susana says 3.26.2011, 11:58 a.m.

Thanks for the response. I know God is moving in my life now, and that HE does hear my cries. It's going to take time for me to trust another church, but that doesn't mean I can't read God's word and keep on. I think my baptism is OK. It was when I accepted Jesus as my savior, and that I became washed in His blood-a new person in Christ. In other words, it's my commitment to Him and Him to me that matters. It's a personal promise that belongs not to any one church, but to me and to Jesus. He doesn't see me as a group, but as an individual. I may call you anyway, but I praise and thank God for leading me to your article. It's one of those everyday blessings that we often don't even notice as His hand in our lives. Thank all of you for your willingness to serve God in this way. :))

Susana says 3.20.2011, 7:06 p.m.

Thank you for your information. It is very hard when people you should be able to trust, not to be perfect, but not to betray your confidences and counseling to others-especially your pastors. I no longer have a church, and have lost the people I loved there because of the actions of these people-pastor and his wife. I am lost completely. Is my baptism still legitimate? Who do I believe? How do I go on without friends when I have no family within 1,500 miles that can help? I am desperately lonely, very depressed and just can't find a way out. I have prayed, but still feel alone. If God hears my cry, and knows I rely on HIM for protection and love, why don't I feel HIM with me? I feel so angry and hurt, with no one to talk to about it. HELP. (We would like to pray and provide some encouragement. Please call 1-877-247-2426 to talk and pray with someone. There are people here who care. Or, you can send a private email to help@bgea.org. We will continue to keep you in prayer. The BGEA Internet team.)