When I Feel Like Running Away

Guest post by author C.A. Simonson

Genesis 16:13 –  “You are the God who sees me.”

Alone, Hagar sat crying beside the road. It was Sarai’s idea for Abram to give me a child, she thought. Why was she so cruel to me? I’ve loved serving her, but now I hate her. Abe loves me and it’s me who will give him a son, not Sarai. (See Genesis 16)

Running away from Sarai’s mistreatment seemed like Hagar’s only choice. The Egyptian handmaid had served her mistress for ten years.¹ But now she was Abram’s mistress, and Sarai was jealous.

How could a young pregnant woman survive in the desert? She was distressed and scared. An angel appeared to her, saying, “Go back to your mistress and submit yourself to her.” (Genesis 16:9) It’s amazing that she would even consider it, but Hagar replies, “You are the God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)

God promised to take care of her and make her son a great nation. Hagar returned to work for Sarah and gave birth to Ishmael.

God sees you, too. In times of rejection or confusion – He sees you. You may feel like running away from it all. He sees you. It may seem too hard to submit to the heavy hand of authority. But God sees you. His ways are not our ways. He may be telling you to submit.

No matter how circumstances appear, know that God is working behind the scenes to work things together for good. He has a plan for your life that you cannot see. Obedience is the start of God turning things around. He will give you guidance if you seek it. He will bless if you obey.

¹https://www.harpscrossing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Timeline-From-Abram-to-Exodus.pdf

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” (Isaiah 12:2 – New Living Translation)