The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

The Connection Between Faith and Obedience

Tom Graves

no comments

July 26, 2025

God’s words demonstrate the connection between faith and obedience in many ways. One example is the story of Abraham, where God instructed him to circumcise all the males in his household. We read in Genesis 17: 10 This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised. 11 You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you. [1]

For the first time, God assigned Abraham a role in the covenant. He instructed him to adopt a sign of the covenant, demonstrating that they accepted it through faith. Why would God choose circumcision as a sign of the covenant? Since people are conceived in sin (Ref. Psalm 51:5), this mark would remind them that the Lord accepts them because of His gracious covenant. It was the Lord who chose them and not the Jews who decided to be God’s people.

Abraham Obeyed

In a step of faith, Abraham put God’s words into action.Genesis 23:23 On that very day Abraham took his son, Ishmael, and every male in his household, including those born there and those he had bought. Then he circumcised them, cutting off their foreskins, just as God had told him.[2] It takes God’s strength to put our faith into action because our human nature is to go our own way or to become fearful. James 2:20How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? [3]

There is nothing wrong with going to God with our struggles. The Lord knows our weaknesses, but when we look to Him for strength, He propels us forward when we want to retreat. We live in a culture that is often opposed to God, and we must decide if we are on the path of obeying God or people. Obeying God can cost us a job, a grade in a class, a friendship, or something else important to us. Only with God’s Spirit working in us can we say no to the world and walk His narrow path for us.     

Jesus Calls Us to be Spiritually Circumcised.

While circumcision was a sign of the Old Testament covenant, it did not imply salvation. What does circumcision signify for us in the New Testament era? Colossians 2:11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[4]

When the Holy Spirit resides in us, it empowers us to achieve victory over the desires of our former nature and flesh. The New Testament often refers to the old nature as the flesh. By conquering the flesh, we can take steps of faith and obey God.

To learn more about the connection between faith and obedience, listen here:  

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/covenant-gods-promise-of-faithfulness

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

When God Has a Future Don’t Hang onto the Past

Paula K. Graves

no comments

July 25, 2025

When God has a future, don’t hang onto the past. God told Abraham that even though he and Sarah were old, they would have a child. Abraham laughed at the thought and then asked about Ishmael. Genesis 17:18 So, Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!” [1]

Understandably, Abraham was concerned about Ishmael. More than likely, he assumed Ishmael would be the one to inherit the covenant. By this time, the boy was thirteen and approaching manhood.

But Ishmael represented the past, while Isaac looked forward to the future. Ishmael was the result of human scheming, and Isaac would be a miracle from God. Family dissension resulted when Ishmael was born, but Isaac would bring laughter.

How would Ishmael Fit Into God’s Plan?

Isaac was to be the son of the Covenant, not Ishmael. This can sound unfair to our modern ears as Ishmael had no say about his birth. But God had plans and shared them with Abraham. Genesis 17:20 As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21 But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year.”[2]

There were blessings for Ishmael and his descendants, too. Whether or not they responded by faith would be another matter. Genesis 25: 16 These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to the places they settled and camped. 17 Ishmael lived for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. 18 Ishmael’s descendants occupied the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur. There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives. [3]

Do You Have an Ishmael?

Abraham would have to let go of his plans for Ishmael to grab a hold of God’s plans for Isaac. We can have similar problems in our lives. Sometimes, we have cherished dreams or earthly desires obstructing our walk forward with God. We want to hang onto the past because we enjoyed it. But we must let go of past things hindering our faith walk with Jesus.

God’s plans are always best. Proverbs 16: 9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. [4] God has unique plans for us and promises to guide us in His ways. Psalm 32: 8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” [5]

When God has a future, don’t hang onto the past. Be willing to let go and trust God for a better future than you could imagine. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/covenant-gods-promise-of-faithfulness

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Circumcision Was a Sign of the Covenant

Paula K. Graves

no comments

July 24, 2025

Circumcision was a sign of the Covenant. Genesis 17: 10 This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised…13 All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant.” [1]

God’s covenant promised Abraham many descendants and the land of Canaan to these descendants. Abraham’s part was to obey and mark each male in his household. Since this covenant involved Abraham’s “seed,” it was appropriate to mark the male organ of generation.

Why Circumcision?

Circumcision distinguished the “seed” of Abraham from the “seed” of the  Gentiles. The Messiah Jesus came from Abraham’s line. Circumcision also symbolizes the putting away of the sin of the flesh. This sign would remind the circumcised men of their covenant with God daily. Since the sexual organ was marked, it would also remind them of the duty of cultivating purity as part of their obedience to God.

Circumcision is not a means of salvation but a mark of separation as one in covenant with God. It demonstrated a relationship with God. If the most private part was dedicated to the glory of God, so must the whole person. When a wife became one flesh with her husband, she, too, became sexually dedicated to God.

Circumcision of the Heart

Unfortunately, the Pharisees of Jesus’ day saw circumcision as their salvation. This had never been God’s intention. God wanted obedience. Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn.[2] Jesus came to provide forgiveness for our sin and bring the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 2: 11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[3]As we believe and trust Jesus, He circumcises our hearts.

Romans 2: 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.[4]

The Old Testament circumcision was a sign of the covenant and removed a part of the body. Now, a spiritual circumcision of the Holy Spirit deals radically with the sinful nature. It is the circumcision of Christ that is important to the Christian believer and enables the believer to live a new life.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/covenant-gods-promise-of-faithfulness

[1,3,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Dt 10:15–16). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

Stepping into God’s Promises With a New Name

Paula K. Graves

no comments

July 23, 2025

Abram is stepping into God’s promises with a new name, Abraham. God Himself changes his name. Genesis 17:5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.[1]

Abram means “exalted father” and probably refers to his father, Terah. Now, his name is Abraham or “father of a multitude.” God is changing his focus from his background to his descendants.[2] God has promised many descendants multiple times. Now, with his new name, Abraham will be reminded of God’s promise every time someone uses his name.

Sarai to Sarah

Obviously, Abraham can’t father many nations alone. God also changes Abraham’s wife’s name for her part. Genesis 17: 15 Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah. 16 And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.” [3]

Strong’s Lexicon says Sarai means “princess” and Sarah means “noblewoman.”[4] God seems to be strengthening the name since He promised Sarah would be the mother of kings. She, too, has a part in God’s covenant with His promises.

Isaac

As Sarah and Abraham begin stepping into God’s promises with a new name, God also named their future son, Isaac. Genesis 17: 17 Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” he thought. “And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old?” …19 But God replied, “No—Sarah, your wife, will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac.[5]

Isaac means laughter. Abraham was bowing before God in respect when he received the news of their child. Abraham laughed at how God would accomplish the promise of descendants. Ironically, he laughed at the very thing that would make him a father of nations. Moving forward in the story, there will be more laughter: Sarah and everyone who hears of the birth will laugh.

Our New Name as Believers

Jesus restores us when we believe, and we become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! [6] As new creations, we receive a new title: children of God. John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. [7] As the children of God, we can step into His promises of restored life here and eternal life after this earthly life ends. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/covenant-gods-promise-of-faithfulness

[1,3,5-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Ross, A., & Oswalt, J. N. (2008). Cornerstone biblical commentary: Genesis, Exodus (Vol. 1, p. 120). Tyndale House Publishers.

[4] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

Covenant Promises of God’s Unchanging Faithfulness

Tom Graves

no comments

July 22, 2025

When the Lord spoke to Abram, he received covenant promises of God’s unchanging faithfulness. God had promised Abram an heir, but as he and Sarai grew older, having the child of the promise seemed impossible. During this time of doubt, God reminded Abram of His faithfulness. Genesis 17:2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” 3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations![1]

God reminded Abram of the covenant, an agreement that He had not forgotten. After 25 years, although Abram may have forgotten, God had not. In Genesis 13:16, the Lord told Abram his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth, and in Genesis 15:5, He compares them to the stars. These analogies indicate that Abram will have an earthly family, referred to as Jews, and a spiritual family of believers in Jesus.

Growing in Faith is a Process

The Bible tells of people with great faith, but we often believe we can’t be like them. We forget they didn’t always act that way. Peter denied Jesus, Jonah ran from God, and Abram had a child with his maidservant Hagar when God’s plan unfolded too slowly. Abram was becoming a great man of faith, but a great man of faith isn’t made overnight.

Sometimes God places dreams and goals in our hearts immediately. However, He often makes us wait. During this waiting, we might wonder what God is doing or ask, “Did I really hear from God?” We may ask “God, what is taking you so long?”

Abram and Sarai waited twenty-five years before their son Isaac was born. During that time, God was molding Abram in ways he did not realize. He does the same for us. I’ve found that God prepares us for His promise in these times. He teaches us and grows our character, faith, and ability to fulfill our calling. God’s question to us is, “Will you trust the process?”

God’s Unchanging Faithfulness

Today, God still blesses us with His faithfulness. I often feel overwhelmed and unsure of myself during life’s trials and challenges. Yet, God’s faithfulness has shone brightest in my life during these difficult times, offering me comfort and hope. Perhaps you are experiencing this today.

As we journey through life, remember His faithfulness is unchanging, unwavering, and everlasting. May you find comfort and hope in knowing that He guides, strengthens, and loves you always. He renews His love and mercy daily, giving us hope and strength. Psalm 36:5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. [2]

To learn more about covenant promises of God’s unchanging faithfulness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/covenant-gods-promise-of-faithfulness

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 17:2–4). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 36:5). Tyndale House Publishers.

Walking With God Transforms

Tom Graves

no comments

July 21, 2025

It doesn’t matter if you are a patriarch of the Bible or a modern-day believer; walking with God transforms. Walking with God represents a life of obedience and being led by the Spirit. The Lord gives us free will, but as I walk with God, I surrender my free will to the Lord as He guides me through life.

Cultivating that type of relationship with God is not easy because our sinful nature desires its own way. We are fortunate in our relationship with God because He is the one who initiates our relationship with Him. It was God who called Abram at age 75 when he was a worshiper of idols.

Like many of us, Abram’s faith journey had its ups and downs as God shaped and molded him. God had promised that he and Sarai would have a son, but doubts began as he grew older. In this context, God intervened in Abram’s life with a message of hope. Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” [1]

It’s Not Always Easy to Walk With God

When I walk beside someone, I keep a close distance for easy communication. Similarly, the Holy Spirit spiritually connects us when we walk with God. This allows Him to speak through the Spirit and His Word. But what if I struggle in this relationship?

You may want to walk with the Lord yet feel inadequate. You might want to pray, read your Bible, and attend church, but life’s busyness often interferes. Deep down, you know what to do, yet you face difficulties. If this resonates with you, remember you are not alone. God understands your struggles and recognizes our weaknesses.

The best response to life’s challenges is to reach out to God and seek His help. The Psalmist captures this sentiment beautifully. Psalm 18: 6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. [2]

God Wants More

The statement from the Lord to Abram, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,” in Genesis 17 is simple yet profound. As God spoke to Abram, He told him what he could become. This is the same truth that the Lord wants to speak into our hearts today through His word and the Spirit.

As we walk with the Lord, He transforms us. As worldly ways lose their grip on our lives, what is significant gains new meaning. Everyone wants their life to have meaning, and true fulfillment only comes from our relationship with God.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.[3] If you’re facing uncertainty, like Abram, say yes to God. Walk by faith, not sight. Embrace His call to deepen your faith, and you’ll step into your promise and uncover all the wonderful things He has in store for you. To learn how walking with God transforms, listen here:

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ga 5:16). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

God Almighty

Tom Graves

no comments

July 20, 2025

Genesis 17:1When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.[1] Imagine yourself in the sandals of Abram as you hear these words from the Lord. When Abram was 75, God called him out of Haran. God promised to bless all families through him.

Later, in Genesis 13, God revealed to him that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth. As Abram grew older, he doubted having a son, but God reiterated in Genesis 15 that he would have his own son. With no child on the horizon, God made Abram a promise that would demonstrate His power. Genesis 17:2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” [2]

God is All Sufficient

At a time when Abram might have felt that his dreams of offspring were fading with age, God appears with a powerful declaration: “I am El Shaddai.” This name signifies God Almighty, the all-sufficient One who can provide and bless beyond human limitations. The chances of Abram and Sarai having a child at an advanced age seemed unlikely, but God can make all things possible.

Sometimes, the Lord brings us to the point where we realize we can’t do it, so when He breaks in, we understand it is His strength and not ours. Consider areas in your life where you feel limited or where your hopes seem distant. Remember, as believers in Jesus, we serve God Almighty, whose power knows no bounds. As we look up to God, our circumstances may not change, but our focus shifts from ourselves to God. Everything seems to change when we begin to rely on God’s strength.

Nothing is Too Hard for God

Nothing is too hard for God. Let this truth settle in your heart; it is a fantastic thought. The evidence of this truth is always present, both visibly and invisibly. The air we breathe, the sun warming the earth, and unseen galaxies are all created by God’s power. His first recorded words, “Let there be light,” began a profound relationship with His people. Why is it hard to believe that God is all-powerful?

We often take His power for granted in many ways. Breath, gravity, the earth’s rotation, and waking up are gifts from Him. How frequently do we thank God for these gifts? Yet we worry about life’s details. Paying our bills, relationships, and occupations can lead to anxiety and despair. We must practice remembering God’s character and His mighty works. We will always have reasons to praise and trust Him.

This is not an automatic reaction to stress. Initially, it is a spiritual discipline that can be nurtured. When doubts arise, and outside pressures seem stronger than faith, turn to God’s word, which is a light to our path. Remember, when we are weak, He is strong, God Almighty. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/covenant-gods-promise-of-faithfulness

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 17:1). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 17:2). Tyndale House Publishers.

A God Who Sees and Hears

Paula K. Graves

no comments

July 19, 2025

Hagar discovered a God who sees and hears when she was alone in the desert. This was such an incredible revelation that she called God by a different name. She even gave a new name to the place where God had appeared to her.

Genesis 16: 13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” 14 So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means “well of the Living One who sees me”). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered. [1]

Forgetting to Check With God

Hagar, a runaway Egyptian slave, became a surprising messenger to Abram and Sarai. From her experience, she understood that God sees distress and affliction. He hears the cries of those in need. God had given the name Ismael, meaning “God hears,” to her unborn son. Now, every time that she used his name, she would be reminded of that fact.

Abram and Sarai should have known they served a God who sees and hears. He knew of Sarai’s barrenness and had promised many descendants. But they hadn’t checked with God about how this would happen. At their age, children seemed like an impossibility, and they tried to solve the problem using human means. Now, God taught them a lesson through what they thought had been the solution. It was God’s job to give them children. Psalm 113: 9 He (God) gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. [2]

Trust the God Who Sees and Hears

The character of our God has not changed. He sees our difficulties, and He hears our cries for help. We may feel He is ignoring us because things are not happening on our timetable. But God’s plans are much larger than what we can imagine. We learn from Abram and Sarai that we must be patient for God’s timing and trust that He will work everything out. We want to check with Him before doing something rash we may regret later. God promises to be faithful.

David gives us insight into his experience with God. Psalm 40: 1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid round and steadied me as I walked along. 3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. [3]

God works in ways that cause us to praise Him and give testimony to others of His gracious character. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-we-take-matters-into-our-own-hands

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

What Will My Child Be Like?

Paula K. Graves

no comments

July 18, 2025

I think every pregnant woman wonders, “What will my child be like?” God revealed what Hagar’s child would be like to encourage her in a difficult time. Genesis 16: 10 Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.”

11 And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. 12 This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” [1]

Hagar now knew she was carrying a son even though she did not have the benefit of modern ultrasound. His name would reflect God’s intervention and grace in her frustrations. Hagar would be the matriarch of a great tribe of people.

Questionable Giftings?

God’s description of Hagar’s son doesn’t sound flattering. All gifts have both positive and negative aspects, depending on their use. Ishmael was not a son of the covenant. God doesn’t call Hagar Abram’s wife but Sarai’s servant. Ishmael would have known about God from Abram, but he doesn’t seem to follow Him in the future. Thus, he will never use the giftings to honor God.

Wild donkeys roam over desert lands and act independently. Ishmael would do this. Genesis 21: 20 And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, 21 and he settled in the wilderness of Paran.[2] Ishmael would become a powerful man who held his own against anyone who opposed him. He could have used these traits for good, but instead, he used them against God’s covenant people.

Ishmael is the founder of Arab peoples. The Arab nations are still independent peoples who live in desert land and resist the intrusions of other countries, especially Israel and her allies. While we can’t apply these qualities to every descendant of Ishmael, the centuries-long hostility between Jews and Arabs is too well-known to be ignored.

God Has a Plan for Each of Us

God has designed each of us individually. Psalm 139: 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [3] We each have giftings to use to glorify God, but sin taints them. Fortunately, Jesus came to restore what sin corrupted and enables us to live for Him.

Ephesians 2: 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [4] We don’t have to stay where sin puts us, but we can use God’s unique giftings to bring Him glory. We can raise our children so they know Jesus as we wonder, what will my child be like?

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-we-take-matters-into-our-own-hands

[1-4 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Submitting to God Transforms Our Actions

Tom Graves

no comments

July 17, 2025

Submitting to God transforms our actions. Submission and change are hard, but why? Our sinful nature desires to rebel against God because we think we know more than He does. As an immature believer, I didn’t realize the importance of submitting to God and learned some faith lessons the hard way. You may have experienced something similar in your life.

The Apostle Paul persecuted believers until God intervened in his life. When Paul submitted to God, the Lord changed his life. Paul transformed from a persecutor of the faith to a great missionary. Jonah ran from God until he was thrown overboard in a storm and swallowed by a large fish. Jonah repented and submitted himself to God in the belly of the fish. Not long after, the fish spit Jonah out on dry land. Each time we submit to God, His plans take us in a different direction.

The Act of Submission to God begins With His Intervention

Hagar was a servant to Sarai, Abram’s wife. God had communicated with Abram about the promise of an heir, but doubt began to cloud her judgment as he and Sarai grew older. Sarai persuaded Abram to take Hagar as his wife, believing they could have an heir through her. After Hagar became pregnant, she started to treat Sarai with contempt, causing strife between them.

The overflow of emotions brought out the worst in Sarai, and Hagar fled due to her abuse. In this difficult time, Hagar realized how much God cared for her. Genesis 16:7 The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur.[1]

The Lord asked Hagar where she was headed, and she replied that she was escaping from her mistress Sarai. God seeks us in our moments of despair. He follows us, speaks to us, and asks, “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” If you feel like Hagar, remember that God is with you and doing more than you might realize.

Hagar Submitted to God

After the Lord spoke to Hagar, He told her what she needed to do. Genesis 16:9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.”[2] Knowing God, who sees us, makes all the difference. It changes our world, and it transformed Hagar’s painful, and powerless life into one filled with promise. God saw her and spoke into her life. Now her eyes were open, and she saw Him.

In humility, she submitted to the Lord and returned to Sarai. At times, God prompts us to establish boundaries and disengage from abuse or mistreatment. In other instances, He encourages us to remain steadfast. He may invite us to endure a challenging marriage or navigate conflict. God desires us to face and resolve our difficulties, and we can do so with His help. He can and will fulfill His purposes for us, even in the most desperate circumstances. Like Hagar, the Lord sees your struggles and hears your pleas. Take the Lord’s hand and allow Him to lead you.

To learn how submitting to God transforms our actions, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-we-take-matters-into-our-own-hands

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Powered by WordPress.com.