There are times when life can get really rough, especially for the single mom. It’s hard to hear “Don’t worry”, when honestly thats ALL WE DO! lol How do you not worry when you have a whole other human being (or a couple) to care for? How do you not worry when you have to pick up the slack of other’s responsibilities? God ordained for a man and woman to be in a household to care for the children, and when one is gone and not taking care of their responsibilities, all of that still has to be done. Food still needs to be put on the table, bills still need to be paid, they still keep growing every 3 months so new clothes and shoes are always needed. How do you not worry?

Queen, I understand.

Down to the very core I understand! It’s tough. But I can reassure you that God sees you! He hears you! He knows what you have need of and He has not forgotten about you. Can I bring up the story of Hagar for you?

Sarah was barren and could not give Abraham a son. Although God had already promised Abraham and Sarah a child, Sarah pretty much got tired of waiting. So she gave her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham so that she may have a child through her. Hagar did become pregnant and bore Ishmael. Fast forward to Genesis 21. God did bless Sarah with a child like He said He would and they named him Issac. He was the promised child. When celebrating Issac’s weaning, Sarah all of a sudden started trippin (let’s call it what it is lol) and stated to Abraham that he needed to get rid of Hagar and her son because HE WILL NOT be getting any of Abraham’s inheritance. Abraham wasn’t too happy about the situation because he loved his son, but God reassured him that he would take care of them.

So he sent them off.

Let’s stop for just a second on one of these scriptures.

“…Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.” Genesis 21:14

She wandered aimlessly.

This really jumped out at me, so I googled the definition of aimlessly and what did I find? “Without purpose or direction”.

WOAH!

Have you ever found yourself in this position? Wandering around in life without purpose or direction? I know I have. Actually….can I be honest? I feel like that right now. I know my purpose, but it seems like I don’t have much direction on getting there. Can I get an amen if you can relate?

I don’t think anyone just asks to be a single parent. A lot of times, we’re put in this situation because of decisions we’ve made, people leaving, whether voluntarily or maybe through death. Either way, we’re here. And it seems like we’re here alone, with no answers and no direction on the best way to go to get some relief.

So back to Hagar..

When everything ran out, Hagar sat the boy down under a tree and walked away to cry. She couldn’t watch her child suffer and die.

MAN! If this isn’t hitting home!

So many nights I have cried out to God because I literally felt that I have done all that I can to care for my child, but it just wasn’t enough to sustain him. And let’s not even mention the guilt and shame I felt for even bringing him into this situation to begin with! But God is faithful! And He allowed me to give Him this heavy burden that was just too heavy for me to bare! And He wants to do the same for you!

 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” Genesis 21:17-18

Sometimes, as mothers we really want to go above and beyond for our children, but there really is only so much we can do queens! Do what you can and allow God to handle the rest. God said, “I WILL make a great nation from his descendants.”, not Hagar. Hagar needed to rest in the fact that God purposefully brought Ishmael to this earth, and that His purpose for him would be fulfilled!

Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. Genesis 21:19

This is probably one of my favorite parts. God opened Hagar’s eyes. He helped her to see past her circumstance and past how she was feeling to see what God had provided for her.

Ahh! I just love God ya’ll! lol

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11 

Single mother, I know it gets hard. I know it feels like you are in this world all alone and change is so far from your reach, but God is right there! He hears your cry, and the needs of your little ones and He promises to supply what is needed and restore all that is lost! Keep moving forward! Let Him guide you. Keep leaning on Him. Allow Him to carry that burden that is just too heavy for you to carry! I really love the message version of Isaiah 26:3,

“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.”

We have a sure thing in God. Don’t lose faith.

 

Stay Blessed,

Jaleccia