In a cultural practice of that time, tension arises between Abraham’s two wives. Sarai is jealous of Hagar, and encourages Abram to banish her, so against better judgement he does. In a moment that looks bleak, and heart breaking, God shows up in surprising ways to care for Hagar and her son. God’s grace has this ability to break into our lives in all kinds of ways if we are aware of it.

How many times have you thanked someone for something for them to reply, “no big deal.” What if all things in God’s hands are a big deal? Not in some ominous sense, or to make you stress out about every choice you make, but an encouragement that holding a door, a kind text message, a passing comment, all could make a big difference in someone else’s life.