Navigating life’s trials can present significant challenges, but they can also offer growth opportunities. Perhaps you are currently in the middle of a trial or have experienced one in the past. There is something about trials that alters our perspective in ways we cannot fully understand otherwise.
My sister’s family faced a time of great hardship when their son passed away from cancer. While dealing with that challenge, her husband was also diagnosed with cancer. Only by having faith in Jesus can we navigate through such storms, confident that He is our anchor and is always with us.
Hagar Finds Herself in a Great Trial
Hagar was a servant of Abraham and Sarah, whom they had acquired while they were in Egypt. God had promised Abraham and Sarah a child, but as they grew older, their faith in the Lord wavered. Sarah suggested that Abraham take Hagar as a wife and have a child with her, and he agreed. Although this was not God’s plan, Hagar became pregnant. Then, a jealous Sarah mistreated Hagar, and she ran away. But the Lord intervened, urging Hagar to return to Abraham and Sarah, which she did.
Later, the Lord remained faithful to His promise and enabled Abraham and Sarah to have a child in their old age, whom they named Isaac. Now, just over a decade has passed, and more hostility has arisen between Sarah and Hagar. Genesis 21:8 When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. 9 But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making fun of her son, Isaac. 10 So she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it!” [1]
Navigating Challenges With God’s Guidance
Family discord can be a difficult trial. But remember the Lord is always present when we call upon Him in our time of need. It doesn’t matter whether our trials are self-inflicted or the result of circumstances beyond our control. Desperation has a way of humbling us, revealing what is most important in life. Psalm 46:1God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [2]
It may be hard to see, but God’s goodness shines through, even in our most challenging moments. It might feel like God is nowhere to be found when we face difficulties, but He is always by our side. He has an excellent plan for both the good times and the hard times we experience. By changing our perspective, we can discover His goodness, even during life’s challenging situations.
Through these experiences, Hagar experienced God’s caring hand while navigating life’s trials. I don’t know how it changed her, but I do know that if we let God guide our hearts, He will transform us. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.