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Cast Out But Not Forsaken
- Jerry Dickson

Have you ever been rejected by those who call themselves by God's name?
In what way have you or your loved one, been an "outcast"?
Through divorce?
Division within your church?
Dissension within your family?
When God's people reject us, we feel that God also has rejected us.
The feeling of isolation and loneliness can be so severe that it may trigger deep depression and even suicidal thoughts.

GOD CARES ABOUT YOU Read Genesis 21:1-21
Hagar, a servant to Abraham's wife 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 Read Genesis 16:1-16
V2 - Abram listened to Sarai and got into trouble. (Adam and Eve?)
V5 - Sarai blames Abram for the dilemma.
~ Describe Hagar.
~ How was Hagar's attitude in her home reflected in her son?
~ How was Hagar's hurt her own fault? How was it also the fault of others?

GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR HELPLESSNESS
~ After being a servant in Abraham's household for 25 years, describe how Hagar must have felt when cast out by Abram.
~ When you have been treated badly by those who call themselves by God's name, how did you feel?
~ As someone who suddenly found herself a single parent, describe some of the challenges Hagar faced.

GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR HOPELESSNESS
~ From Gen. 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 the same conditions?

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

GOD COMES TO YOU Read Genesis 21:17-21

GOD COMES WITH THE HEALING OF HIS PRESENCE
~ According to Gen. 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?
~ 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 Gen. 21:19?
~ 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 Gen. 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:
Gen 35:3; Daniel 9:4; Joshua 21:45, 23:14; 2 Chronicles 6:4,15; Ezekial 12:28.
~ What comfort for yourself or your loved one do you receive from each of the following promises: Psalm 27:10, 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, will He not also come to you in your loneliness and depression?

Hear God saying to you, "What is the matter?... Do not be afraid....I have heard your cry."

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