“The Angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” ” Genesis 16:9 (NKJV)
Oh, how Hagar didn’t want to hear the message of the Angel of the Lord! Go back??? The harsh mistress would definitely be even less compassionate now that she had left the situation without permission. But God didn’t just ask her to go back, but to submit to Sarai.
All too often in my life I’ve heard the Holy Spirit counsel me to not leave situations where I felt that my presence was not beneficial to anyone (especially myself). It is depressing to think of going back into situations where you feel unwanted, where you feel that you are an obstacle to God’s purposes. But, I don’t see the big picture from God’s perspective.
As hard as it has been, there have been times I’ve stayed in situations where I didn’t feel that I was able to accomplish what God wanted me to accomplish in the situation. I am certain that until heaven I may never understand why God asked me to stay in those situations. I choose to trust God, moment by moment, that if I listen to His Spirit and submit myself to the situation, His purposes will be accomplished.
The Angel of the Lord didn’t just tell her to go back to Sarai. He gave her a promise. “Then the Angel of the LORD said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” ” Genesis 16:10 (NKJV)
God gives me promises each day too. One of the promises I cling to is found in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)
Listen to Renee Allsbrook as she sings “You Will Keep in Perfect Peace.”
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 1/7/24, 5:00 pm