An Angel Spoke To Hagar

When Hagar got pregnant with Ishmael, she despised Sarah and was disrespectful toward her. (Genesis 16:4b) Sarah told Abraham, “When she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes.” Abraham told Sarah to handle the situation as she pleased. Sarah “dealt harshly” with Hagar, and Hagar ran away. (Genesis 16:5-6)

Hagar was sitting beside a fountain of water in the wilderness. The angel of the Lord came to her in her place of despair. The angel asked, “Hagar, Sarai's maid, from where have you come? And where will you go?” (Genesis 16:7-8)

The Lord sent the angel. The angel knew Hagar by name, he knew her station in life (Sarah’s maid). God often comes with a question, an opportunity for confession. Hagar answered honestly, “I ran away from my mistress Sarai.” (Genesis 16:9)

The angel of the Lord told Hagar to return to her mistress and submit to her. Hagar needed to change her attitude! Sometimes a change in OUR own attitude changes the situation. The problem was that Hagar treated Sarai with disrespect. The solution was a change in Hagar’s attitude.

The angel also told Hagar about Ishmael’s future and said, “The Lord has HEARD your affliction.” (Genesis 16:10-12)

Hagar called the Lord who SPOKE to her, “You-Are-the-God-Who-SEES.” She said, “Here in this place, I have SEEN Him who sees me,” she said. (Genesis 16:13)

Don’t miss this… In Hagar’s place of despair:

GOD HEARD

GOD SAW

GOD SPOKE

AND GOD WAS SEEN

This is true for us also. God sees you when you are in a wilderness of despair. He hears your cries for help. He will not turn away from you. God will meet you where you are.

In OUR place of despair:

GOD HEARS

GOD SEES

GOD SPEAKS

AND GOD IS SEEN.