Submitting to Mistreatment

Genesis 16:7-9

The Angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. He said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She replied, “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai.” Then the Angel of the LORD said to her, submit to her mistreatment.”

God cared even for the slave girl who was being mistreated. He sent an angel to speak His word directly to her to let her know He was in control of the situation. This slave woman who had disrespected her mistress must now go and submit herself to the mistreatment of her mistress. Why would God require such a thing?

In Hagar we see a rebellious servant. God demands submission in order for her to trust Him. If He sent her to Sarai, He would honor Hagar’s submission. She would have to endure the mistreatment, trusting God for the outcome.

Sometimes, obedience can lead us straight into unfair situations where we feel mistreated or abused. Yet, we must accept these times as God’s will for us. God can use us in ways we don’t understand, and we just have to endure until that hard season is over. God gave Hagar the promise that she would have many descendants to give her hope to withstand the trial. When He sends us into difficult situations, He will give us a promise of hope, as well. Our seasons of burden are never without gain.

If you find yourself in a hard season, submit and trust God. He will bring you through this with something to gain from it. He will use you in ways you never expect or may even be unaware if you will just trust that He is in control. While you can’t trust people, you can always trust God. Ultimately, He will have the last word.

Have a blessed day!