Most of us are familiar with the Biblical story of Sarah. She and Abraham were married but unable to conceive. God made a big promise to Abraham—that he would have a son and heir. That promise was Sarah getting pregnant at a very old age and giving birth to Issac. But do you know the story of Hagar? Hagar was Sarah’s Egyptian slave girl and ultimately the innocent victim of Sarah’s desperation to see God’s promise fulfilled.
When we decide to take matters into our own hands, instead of waiting for God, there will be unforeseen consequences.
Sarah’s desperation is something each one of us can understand and relate to. At some point in our lives, we may find ourselves waiting on God. Sarah’s was a waiting season of infertility, but your’s might be entirely different—to be healed from cancer, to be free from depression, anxiety, an acceptance to a university, a scholarship, a job, a career move, a husband, a home or even a book to be published. The point is that desperation can often lead to bad choices—we don’t see God working and try to take control so the outcome will change. Sarah thought of the idea to use Hagar to give Abraham a descendant.
Hagar loved Sarah, even after being forced to lay with Abraham and have his son. When Sarah became jealous of Hagar, she began to mistreat her. That’s when Hagar ran away.
How could this unjust circumstance not make Hagar question faith? Could God see and hear her cries? Yes! Hagar’s situation was one God used for His glory. In fact, Hagar is an incredible example of submission in God’s plan. The Lord even had a great plan for her son’s Ishmael’s life. She didn’t have to be afraid. God saw her—God heard her.
In the wilderness, The angel from The Lord asked her to do the unthinkable—go back to her mistress Sarah. Would you have the same courage as Hagar?
That’s the ultimate difference between Sarah and Hagar. Hagar was fully able to submit and trust in God, even in her misery and desperation.
I don’t know about you, but I would much rather be a Hagar. Rescued by God and given new found hope and direction.
Genesis 16:13-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible
So she called the Lord who spoke to her: The God Who Sees, for she said, “In this place, have I actually seen the One who sees me?” That is why she named the spring, “A Well of the Living One Who Sees Me.” It is located between Kadesh and Bered.