Learning to Trust
Sarai, Abram, and Hagar’s Choices
Genesis 16:1-16 – Trusting God in the Waiting and the Mess
In Genesis 16, we find Sarai, Abram, and Hagar caught in a web of human attempts to fulfill God’s promises through their own plans. Sarai’s desire to provide an heir for Abram was understandable; in that culture, a woman’s identity and worth were often measured by her ability to bear children. Yet, in her impatience and Abram’s willingness to follow human customs over divine promises, complications quickly arose. Through their story, we see the struggles that come when we attempt to take over God’s plans, and we learn about His grace and faithfulness even in our messiest moments.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)
Acting in Human Strength Instead of Divine Faith (Genesis 16:1-3)
Sarai, struggling to believe God’s promise of a child, takes matters into her own hands by giving her servant Hagar to Abram as a surrogate. This custom was accepted at the time, but it demonstrated a lack of trust in God’s specific promise for her and Abram. As N.T. Wright notes, “When we live by human customs rather than God’s word, we often find ourselves in a tangled mess.” Abram’s acquiescence shows that even the father of faith struggled with doubt and impatience.
Rick Warren points out that “waiting tests our trust in God, while impatience reveals our lack of it.” In their impatience, Sarai and Abram’s actions brought tension and discord into their family—showing that when we act outside of God’s guidance, we often create problems rather than solutions.
Shifting Blame and Harboring Resentment (Genesis 16:4-6)
After Hagar conceives, her attitude toward Sarai changes, causing jealousy and resentment to grow between them. Sarai, frustrated by the outcome, turns her anger toward Abram, blaming him for the situation she initiated. This reaction is reminiscent of Adam and Eve’s blame-shifting in the Garden (Genesis 3:12-13). As Charles Spurgeon noted, “Blame-shifting is a subtle form of pride; it seeks to preserve our ego by placing fault on others.”
Matthew Henry comments, “It is easier to blame others than to face our own faults.” Like Sarai, we can often project our frustrations onto others, especially when we see the consequences of our own misguided decisions. This story encourages us to examine our hearts and take responsibility for our actions, rather than allowing anger and pride to damage our relationships.
Hagar’s Desperation and God’s Compassion (Genesis 16:6-13)
Feeling isolated and mistreated, Hagar flees to the wilderness. Yet even there, God finds her, demonstrating His compassion for those whom others overlook. The angel of the Lord speaks directly to Hagar, calling her by name and instructing her to return and submit to Sarai, promising that her descendants will be numerous. Hagar’s encounter with God becomes a turning point—she recognizes God as “El Roi,” the God who sees her in her suffering and loneliness.
Tim Keller reflects on this moment: “God’s grace finds us even when we are far from where we should be.” God’s care for Hagar, an outsider and a runaway, shows that His compassion reaches those whom society might abandon. Alexander Maclaren observes, “God’s eyes are on those who seem invisible to the world.” This encounter reassures us that no matter how far we stray, God sees us and is willing to bring us back with grace.
Trusting God’s Timing and Embracing His Grace
The story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar is one of human failures, yet God’s promises remain steadfast. Even when we act in our own strength, God can redeem our situations for good. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” This doesn’t excuse our mistakes, but it assures us that God’s grace is greater than our failures.
Eugene Peterson notes, “Faith is often forged in the waiting, where we learn to trust that God’s promises are not bound by our timetables.” Waiting on God’s timing may stretch us, but it refines our faith, teaching us to rely on His perfect plan rather than our limited understanding.
A Prayer for Patience and Trust
Dear Lord,
Help us to trust in Your timing and resist the urge to take matters into our own hands. Forgive us when we grow impatient and turn to human solutions over Your divine promises. May we learn from Abram, Sarai, and Hagar to lean on Your strength and wait on Your perfect plan. Teach us to see You as the God who sees us, no matter where we are or how far we’ve wandered.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Supporting Scriptures
• Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
• Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.”
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
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