(May 11, 2024) Angeline Selvakumari shares…

Greetings dear readers, in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who blesses us with heavenly blessings.

This article holds special significance as Echo of His Call extends heartfelt wishes for a happy Mother’s Day tomorrow to all the mothers worldwide.

While such occasions bring joy to many, they may also evoke feelings of sadness for some. But before dismissing this message, thinking ‘I’m not a mother, so why bother reading,’ consider this: Mother’s Day is a celebration for all who embody the nurturing spirit of motherhood.

And, whether you’re a father, brother, uncle, sister or aunt who has assumed the role and responsibilities of a mother, Sunday May 12 is your day to commemorate and rejoice in your sacrificial love.

God’s Maternal Heart
Contemplating unconditional sacrificial love leads me to reflect on the love of Jesus, who willingly gave His life on Calvary’s cross for our salvation so that we may have eternal life. His selfless act exemplifies an extraordinary love. While we often perceive God’s love in paternal terms – guiding, protecting, disciplining – scripture also portrays God’s maternal characteristics in numerous instances.

For example, Isaiah 66:13 depicts God as a comforting mother, and Matthew 23:37 compares God’s love to a mother’s sacrificial and unconditional love.

On one hand, we encounter God as a strict disciplinarian, correcting and teaching us; on the other hand, we witness Him as a nurturing mother whose love is unconditional, covering our shortcomings, and providing sustenance without judgment.

On this special occasion, I pray that God will envelop you in His motherly embrace, offering continual support and companionship, especially during moments of loneliness. May His presence reassure you, comforting you with His unconditional love every step of the way.

One Particular Bible Mother – Hagar
In contemplating the maternal attributes of God, my thoughts gravitated towards several mothers in the Bible who exhibited exceptional fortitude in raising their families amid challenging circumstances. Among these, one figure stands out prominently – Hagar, a mother who –

1. Faced Unexpected Trials
Many may be familiar with her tale, but for those unacquainted, allow me to introduce her. Hagar, a name signifying ‘Forsaken’ or ‘Flight,’ epitomised a life of obscurity, devoid of recognition and often subjected to ridicule.

Originally a slave girl from Egypt, she found herself in the household of Abraham and Sarah, a couple bereft of children. Suddenly, Sarah, in an unexpected turn, bestowed her to Abraham in marriage (Genesis 16:3), hoping for progeny. In an instant, Hagar’s status transformed from a lowly servant to the second most significant woman in the household. Subsequently, she conceived and bore a son, Ishmael (v4), further elevating her status.

Undoubtedly, Hagar must have reveled in her newfound importance, evident in her demeanor and interactions, particularly towards Sarah, Abraham’s primary wife. Abraham, too, likely rejoiced at the birth of a prospect of an heir to carry on his legacy… but, as we know, God had different plans for his lineage (Genesis 17:19, 21:12b).

However, Hagar’s attitude, tinged with condescension towards Sarah, soured their relationship. Sarah’s resentment escalated, resulting in mistreatment towards Hagar. Eventually, when Sarah bore a son in accordance with Genesis 17:19, she recoiled at the notion of her own son, Isaac, sharing inheritance with Hagar’s offspring.

Consequently, Sarah compelled Abraham to exile Hagar and Ishmael. And Hagar found herself in the wilderness, abandoned by her husband, echoing the very essence of her name’s meaning. Alone and destitute, she would be wandering in a wilderness with her son, Ishmael future uncertain – a poignant testament to the trials faced by mothers in biblical narratives.

2. Accepted Life’s Lot
No one consulted Hagar about her marriage to Abraham, nor did anyone enquire if she desired to depart from him. Throughout her life, her choices were dictated by others, rendering her an unwilling participant. How many of us can empathise with this sentiment of being an unwilling participant? Hagar’s lack of autonomy is glaring – she had no voice of her own.

Whether man or woman, one may lament, ‘All my life’s decisions have been made by someone else; no one sought my input, no one cared about my wishes or desires. I now find myself living a life shaped by decisions made by others.’

Dear friends, the Bible assures us that ‘all things work for good’ if we place our trust in God (Romans 8:28NKJV). Though it may seem inscrutable at present, nothing occurs without God’s allowance. He possesses the power to transform even dire circumstances for our benefit. Such is the omnipotence of the Lord Jesus –  He can alter any situation in our favour.

Although like Hagar we may not comprehend what God has ordained for us, He orchestrates everything to align with our favour if we entrust ourselves to Him.

As Psalm 31:15 states, our future lies in His hands. Therefore, take solace if like Hagar you find yourself traversing a desert, uncertain of what lies ahead, or perhaps unable to envision a future at all. Remember, God remains in control; He will guide your paths. Simply grasp His hand and surrender your will to His… mirroring Hagar’s example.

The Bible recounts in Genesis 21:14, ‘Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy.’ She went on her way and wandered into the desert of Beersheba.

Abraham, a wealthy man, only offered some food and some water to Hagar. One would have expected him to provide more generously – perhaps sending servants and ample provisions with Hagar. However, he did not. Perhaps Abraham intended for Hagar to experience God as her provider and refuge, though his motives remain unclear.

Even if she made it through the wilderness of Beersheba, the abandoned and alone Hagar faced the daunting task of raising her son as a single mother. With no financial support or family to lean on, she would endure immense hardship.

Isaiah 54:5NKJV, ‘For your Maker is your husband –  the Lord Almighty is His name…’ assures such women that God is their husband, provider, offering solace and encouragement.

3. Pleaded for Help
The ordeal of being outcast into the wilderness was undoubtedly exhausting for both Hagar and her son, culminating in their collapse when the water was used up. Witnessing her child’s impending death must have been heart-wrenching for Hagar.

Genesis 21:16 NLT tells of her sadness as she sat down by herself about a hundred yards away from the child: ‘“I don’t want to watch the boy die” she said, as she burst into tears.’   

Hagar wept, desperately wanting her son  to live, yet ultimately powerless. Imagine the anguish of watching the one thing you hold dear slipping away.

In her darkest moment, she turned to the Lord, crying out for help and solace.

4. Interceded, Reaching God
With their water supply dwindled, both Hagar and her son relinquished their strength, succumbing to despair. Hagar, overwhelmed with anguish, could not bear to witness her son’s demise. They had roamed aimlessly in the desert, devoid of direction or hope for the future. Provisions now depleted, the looming threat of her son’s death became unbearable to Hagar.

God heard her sobbing – and her son cry and perceived his dire need too (v17). When a mother cries out, God takes notice of her plight. Through our prayers, God not only hears but also sees our tears and feels our anguish. Each tear shed is stored in God’s bottle (Psalm 56:8).

As mothers pray and intercede for their children, God attends to their needs. While Genesis 21:17 recounts that ‘God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there”’ it was the mother’s cry that precipitated God’s response! God not only responds to audacious cries like Hagar’s but also to pleas from children!

Mothers – if you find yourself praying fervently for your child today, whatever the reason, cry out to the Lord, for only He can meet your child’s needs. Seek the Lord who, by dying on the cross and rising again, secured victory for us all.

5. Intervened in Love
Hagar’s son had lacked the strength to utter a word. In this poignant moment her motherly love had her intervening on behalf of her exhausted son. He, drained of strength and will, was succumbing to despair and Hagar raised her voice and cried out.

It’s a testamony to the sacrificial nature of motherhood, urging us to intervene for our children. Perhaps you have a son or daughter estranged from the love of God or grappling with physical or mental turmoil. Even if they perceive prayer and faith as antiquated, you can stand in the gap for them. In order to do this, a mother has to pray fervently for their spiritual and worldly needs, beseeching God on their behalf.

When Hagar cried to God, He heard and answered. We mothers have a solemn duty to beseech the divine for our children’s well-being. Let us lift our voices in prayer, crying out for our children and grandchildren!

6. Received God’s Response
When Hagar cried out, God not only provided water miraculously but also bestowed life on her son. He transformed him into a formidable figure, hinting at a grand destiny.

Moreover, in response to this mother’s fervent supplication, God unveiled Ishmael’s future to her, ‘Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation’(Genesis 21:18).

A miracle happened in that dry wilderness – ‘God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink’ (v19).

A typical thoughtful mother, Hagar refreshed her son first, before drinking herself!

And verse 21Mge tells that ‘God was on the boy’s side as he grew up.’

A Mother’s Heart
In contemplating the beautiful characteristics of this mother, witness how God employs mothers as conduits of blessings to their children. He heard Hagar’s fervent supplication for her son – He will hear ours too!

When mothers pray, divine revelations about our children’s futures unfold. We need not seek answers elsewhere; God discloses them to praying mothers. Let us, therefore, embrace the mantle of praying mothers, ready to cry out for our children and stand in the gap.

I close by listing aspects of a caring godly mother heart such as highlighted above – assuring, caring, comforting, compassionate, concerned, encouraging, intervening, interceding, loving, nurturing, providing, reassuring, sacrificing, thoughtfulness – and accepting life’s trials, hearing from God, receiving miraculous answers.

• A question for you dear reader – can you sense the Isaiah 66:13 motherly heart of God in what I’ve shared above?

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Pastor Angeline Selvakumari is Hon. Editor-in-Chief Echo of His Call, India’s Spiritual Newspaper, and Dr S Sam Selva Raj’s daughter. In furthering Echo of His Call ministries, established 1969, Dr Sam daily broadcasts 5-minute messages in Hindi, Tamil and English on YouTube, trusting the Lord to provide for the costs. Link: sam@echoofhiscall.org 
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