Hagar, an Egyptian slave, pregnant with her master's child, ran away from her master and mistress Abram and Sarai.
It all started when Abram saw God twice in a vision. God had promised him a son whose descendants would become a great nation. When Abram related these events to Sarai, she listened to him talking about having a son who would inherit his wealth and be the start of a great nation.
Sarai also knew her body was getting older, and she might not be able to give Abram that son. Sarai looked for a solution that would allow God to keep his promise to Abram. Hagar listened quietly in the background.
In Sarai’s world, childless women allowed their maids to sleep with their husbands. Then the sons born to the maids could inherit their father’s possessions and carry on the family name. Sarai chose her servant Hagar.
Hagar had no choice. She complied with the directions of her mistress, spent the night with Abram, and became pregnant. Gradually, Hagar realized her advantage over Sarai. She spoke rudely to Sarai, teasing her about not being able to have children. Sarai felt the intense pain of her cruel words.
When Sarai complained to Abram, he reminded her she was in charge. So, Sarai treated Hagar harshly, and Hagar ran away. Feeling tired and discouraged, Hagar stopped at a spring in the wilderness to rest and get some water. Her life hadn’t turned out the way she hoped it would.
What it Means
Life isn’t fair. You have enough lived experience to confirm this truth. However, we as Christians can worship God passionately and love extravagantly even when events seem difficult, like they did for Hagar.
Hagar stopped running and humbled herself by listening to God. She told Him the truth, and she paid attention when He answered her. She made a surprising choice—to return to Sarai—because she knew God saw her in her pain, and He was with her.
This was the first time God appeared to a person. Hagar named him El Roi, Hebrew for God Sees Me which highlighted God's personal care for her.
God has promised to be with you and to walk through every unpleasant experience. Because He loves you so much, He’s going to work your difficult events together for good (See Romans 8:28, NASB).
You can allow God’s grace to change your most difficult moments into a bold witness of His faithfulness.