Welcome to my new mini-Bible studies featuring women from the Bible and how their stories relate to ours.
Bible Women - Hagar the Invisible from Suzanne Burden on Vimeo.
Genesis 16:13, NIV
"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.'"
Read Genesis 16 and 21 to experience more of Hagar's story and God's love for anyone who feels unwanted.
Can you relate to feeling invisible, unloved, or unwanted? Do you believe God sees you and protects you? Why or why not? Please share.
Hello Suzanne, you have posted a great question in that it would seem the enemy of our souls has tried to convince a percentage of women in the world that they are unloved, unwanted, undesirable, etc. Nothing could be further from the truth! God takes great delight in each one of us as His creations and His eye is on us and on the sparrow as well. It is when we really draw close to Him, begin to spend time with Him in prayer and through His word that we will believe and appropriate this. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." [James 4:8] In 1st Peter 5:8 the word tells us to "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." If and when we hear the "roar" is when we should deem that we had better get closer to God.
ReplyDeleteSuzi, this is great. I'm so glad to see that you are doing this! You inspire me. :-) Thanks so much. All the best to you in your studies and ministry and marriage. —Julie
ReplyDeleteWow Suzi, this is what I grew up with in my own family. Although I was the oldest and the oldest seems to have "special privileges," I felt all I could do was cause trouble and I couldn't do anything right according to my parents. I heard statements and questions such as "What am I going to do with you?", "You make me sick.", "Why do I put up with you?" My mom and I have always struggled with our relationship and upon going to therapy as well as becoming a Christian, we are finally able to begin healing our relationship beginning with forgiveness then working towards reconciliation. This did not happen over night though has taken several years almost 20 to be exact. I get scared and nervous when doing anything new because the same lie always pops-up "I do not belong and I am not wanted here." This is my battle that I fight daily when making new friends or joining a new church.
ReplyDeleteY'all, I'll just be honest right here and say that one of my main wounds is inferiority. So my whole life I have walked around feeling somewhat unloved and unwanted. Chronic physical and emotional struggles have made me feel as though I live in the margins. But I thank God for the struggle. Because through it, He's shown me that He sees me. So thanks Kris and Sheila for kicking back to say that all women are loved, wanted, and SEEN. Julie, I'm tickled that you've checked this out. Can't wait to dig in to more stories of these great women.
ReplyDeleteAnd please, I'd love it if you'd all press "follow this blog" on the networked blogs section up on the right and invite other women (or men for that matter) to join in. Let's keep the conversation going!
Girl, I have been looking forward to watching this video all week! Have had limited computer ability and time, so that caused a bit of delay. Anyway, Amen! This is a very personal story, particularly for those that society does not deem the "special ones" (pretty, rich, talented, etc). Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. He does see us, and love us! Love this chapter in Carolyn's "Lost Women of the Bible." I was also reminded of this truth earlier in the week while attending bible study about Naomi (NO we will not call you bitter, because God has not forgotten you, he saw her too)...fast forward four chapters, and he blessed the latter part of her life through her daughter-in-law, Ruth. God is so faithful!
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ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful story from a woman whose life seems somewhat obscure. I'm so looking forward to more videos- I just love hearing your soothing voice speak the truth of God! My friends and I are going through the book "Twelve Extraodinary Women of the Bible" and it has been inspiring. I can't wait to hear more "nuggets" of God's faithfulness and sufficiency.
Annise
God's faithfulness shining through His women. Awesome to behold. Please come on up and join the conversation on the new Eve/ezer video. Can't wait to dialogue with all of you amazing women...and men.
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