This post is Day 3 in a series of studies about “Angels”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Angels – Day 3

Sarah, frustrated at having no children, took things into her own hands and gave her servant to Abraham in order to have children by proxy. Once Hagar was pregnant Sarah was not as happy as she had hoped, jealousy took root in her. She blamed Abraham, and Hagar was sent away.

Genesis 16:7

The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur.

The Thought

Interestingly angels are often found speaking encouragements into difficult situations.

The story of Hagar begins in this chapter when Sarah, Abraham’s wife, frustrated at having no children, took things into her own hands and gave her servant to Abraham in order to have children by proxy.

Once Hagar was pregnant Sarah was not as happy as she had hoped, jealousy took root in her. She blamed Abraham, and Hagar was sent away.

The Lord, of course, knew all that would happen and already had plans to make that son of Abraham into a great nation, just as He did for the future son that would be born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age! (Genesis 21:1-2)

God’s promise to Hagar on that day by the desert spring encouraged her to go back to Abraham and Sarah and be obedient. The future of the child belonged in His hands.

The angel asked Hagar two questions. “Where have you come from?” “Where are you going?” We can be sure that the angel knew the answer to both those questions, but he was trying to help Hagar see clearly. Sometimes answering simple questions can help us to see things more clearly.

Recognising that God knows our very position is a great help in some of life’s trials.

Action

If you take stock of your life today, do you have a response to those questions? Do you know where you have come from? Do you know where you are going? Pray that the plans the Lord has for you will be fulfilled.

Read Jeremiah 29:11 and be encouraged by the fact that God has a future and a hope for you and your children too, no matter how difficult life might be right now, and how unclear the prospects seem, God has a plan.