(Read the previous devotion here.)
Genesis 16:7-15
The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her.” The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will so greatly multiply your offspring that they cannot be counted for multitude.” And the angel of the Lord said to her,
“Now you have conceived and shall bear a son;
you shall call him Ishmael,
for the Lord has given heed to your affliction.
He shall be a wild ass of a man,
with his hand against everyone,
and everyone’s hand against him;
and he shall live at odds with all his kin.”
Genesis 16:9-12
In Genesis 16, there is the familiar story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Sarah was not obedient and took the matter of having a child into her own hands instead of waiting for God. At first, Sarah thought this was the best solution; however, she became jealous of Hagar when she became pregnant with Abraham’s child. Sarah mistreated Hagar, who then ran away from her.
This is a perfect example of a privileged person taking advantage of a person who is powerless. The good news is God is in control. He is a voice for the powerless. He sends help to us without our asking for it or understanding why. In this story, God sent his Angel to tell Hagar to go back home and submit to her mistress. Hagar was afraid to return, but God’s Angel shared with her God’s promise for her unborn child (verses 9-12).
God can turn any situation to our advantage if we are obedient and submit to His instructions. God wants the best for us. He wants us to have a great life both here on earth and in heaven. We must be patient and believe He will keep his promises to us. He is our Promise Keeper.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for Your grace, mercy, and kindness. God, you let us make poor choices, but You continue to love us in spite of our constant disobedience. Thank you for Your forgiveness and love. Amen.
Melissa McLaughlin-Elabdi
(Read the next devotion here.)
