When Sarai first planned to use Agar as a surrogate, Abram agreed. Once pregnant Agar despised Sarai. In turn, Sarai mistreated Agar to the breaking point. Agar was tired of the mistreatment and ran away. On the road to Shur, she rested by a spring, when an angel came to her. The angel’s first question, in Genesis 16:8, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”
Many times, when we are at our breaking point, without much thought, we decide to run. Run where? Run from what? We make choices in an instant that have a lasting ripple effect on our lives. God sends angels to intervene. He sends a neighbor to check on you. A friend to pop by. A parent to pay you a visit. These angles come in many shapes and sizes, but they are there to guide us to our destiny, allowing us to be the owners of our decisions and at the same time buffered by the power of our faith.
Agar listened and returned home. How did she make such a tough decision?
1. She knew God. – When the angel spoke to her, she recognized Him.
Can you recognize the angels in your life through your relationship with God?
2. She had faith. – When given instruction she obeyed. Obedience in faith differs greatly from obedience in fear. Agar knew that what God had planned for her was indeed best for her.
Do you have faith in God’s plan for your life?
If you are at the end of your rope and feel like running. Take a moment to pray, watch for angels and rest in your faith. The bad times will wash over you like waves in the ocean. When it is just the right time stick your head up and take a breath. Ask yourself: Where have you come from, and where are you going? Fear and panic filled decisions do not lead to places of peace. God leads to peace.
