Hagar, at the end of herself, obeyed God

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(c) Deborah Evans

If you haven't reviewed it, read the July 22 post for the first part of this story.

There are two summary lessons from Hagar's story. Let's take a look at them. As you read, consider how these lessons may apply to you.

Lesson 1:

Although none of the "power players" in Hagar's environment cared about her, God cared and God acted. This caring and this acting made all of the difference. If you read the previous post, you know the power players in Hagar's life were Abraham and Sarah, her owners. Both Abraham and Sarah used Hagar without concern for her well-being or safety. When Sarah felt Hagar was no longer useful, Sarah ordered her husband to throw Hagar and Hagar's son out of the house. Sarah's husband obeyed. In fact, God directed Abraham to obey his wife Sarah regarding throwing Hagar out of the house.

If God cared about Hagar, why did he allow Hagar and Ishmael (her son) to be put out of the house and into the wilderness? God wanted Hagar and Ishmael to be removed from the place of abuse and enslavement. God had a higher and better plan for these two. That plan could not be accomplished in a place of abuse, enslavement, and dependence. 

Lesson 2:

Away from the enslavers and  the abusers, Hagar was free to receive God's provision and act upon God's guidance. Because God cared for Hagar, God wanted Hagar placed and positioned to hear from God and to obey God. This placement and position began in desperation, but it ended in delight. When Hagar was too desperate to think clearly, plan, or even want to live, God called to Hagar and showed her the way forward. When she heard from God, Hagar obeyed God. Her obedience assured her safety, her son's safety, and their futures. Hagar and Ishmael never turned back to the place of enslavement and dependence. God had promised to make a "nation" out of Ismael's descendants (Genesis 21:12 and 13). God kept this promise.

How will these lessons from Hagar's story help you?


 

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