The God of all the universe, who is infinitely wise, did not speak first.* He knew that Hagar was an emotional wreck at this point. Instead of plunging ahead into the solution, He asked a few questions first. And He listened to Hagar as she poured out her heart.
*Men, take note. When the ladies in your life are having a bad day, learn to ask questions first and listen carefully. Sometimes ladies need a listening ear more than a problem solver. This will do wonders for your relationships!
-The God Who counsels us
"And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands." (v. 9)
Although this advice was probably not what Hagar wanted to hear, it was exactly what she needed at that moment. Often, God will counsel us to do something that, from our perspective, makes no sense. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)
But, God knew that, in order to have a healthy pregnancy and bear Abraham’s son, Hagar would need a roof over her head. She wouldn’t fare very well wandering around a desert. In His love, He sent her back to Sarah and Abraham’s home. There, she would be well cared for.
-The God Who promises great things to us
"And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude." (v. 10)
As an expectant mother, Hagar had anxieties about the future. From her wilderness vantage point, the future looked bleak. Who would provide for her? How would she raise a baby alone? Yet, the God Who sought her also promised great things to her. He promised that she would bear a son, and he would become a powerful man.
In some of my “wilderness” moments, my main source of anxiety was the future. What would I do? Where would I go? Who, for crying out loud, would I marry? Yet, each time, God patiently quieted my fears and gave me new hope for the future. He reassured me that, in His perfect timing, He would provide. And His words brought me peace.
Cloudine Broussard is a Nova Scotia based musician, author, and social media specialist.
Buy and read Claudine's most recent book at:
https://www.amazon.ca/Seeking-Jesus-Stepping-Surrender-Freedom/dp/1547021101