Journey to Christmas With the Midwives of the Messiah

by Sharon W. Betters

TODAY’S TREASURE

But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; the Lord has forgotten me.” Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.

Isaiah 49:14-16 ESV

This week Tamar joins us on our Journey to Christmas. Tamar’s story rivals any soap opera for drama and evokes emotional empathy for a sister who experiences abuse and rejection.

Tamar’s story showcases how God works behind the scenes for His glory and good of His people in ways we can never imagine. Tamar suffered rejection, betrayal, probable physical, verbal, emotional and possibly sexual abuse. Picture an emotionally beaten woman, eyes cast down, and fear-wracked countenance. This is Tamar. Yet, against all odds, Tamar lands on her feet, honored and respected by the very ones who abused her.

God used Tamar’s story to encourage me to trust Him to keep all of His promises, even when I couldn’t see Him at work. Her story helps me wait on the Lord in ways I thought impossible.

I sense your take away might be different, but I do not doubt there are treasures Tamar is ready to put into your hands and heart. I love Tamar and I am eager for you to love her, too!

Treasured by Him,

Sharon

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LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Welcome Tamar into your life by learning more about her amazing story.

Suggested resources:

Read Matthew 1:1-3

Read the book Harlots and Heroines, The Midwives of the Messiah, Chapter 1

Listen: Harlots and Heroines - Tamar, which can be found on the MARKINC.org website under “In His Grip”.

Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.

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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.