Three bad decisions (I won’t go into them here) by three different individuals, Sarai, Abraham, and Hagar, in Verses 2-4 of Genesis 16, led to Hagar, a young female servant, being alone in the wilderness and undoubtedly, in a state of deep depression. But suddenly, she had a theophany and was face-to-face with the Angel of the LORD (Jesus) who asked her two questions: “Where have you come from, and where are you going?”

One question called for retrospection (to reflect on one’s past). The other one called for introspection (looking deeply within oneself). Recalling only the harsh treatment she had received from Sarai (Gen. 16:6), Hagar answered only the first question. “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress” (Gen. 16:8b).

Hagar had no difficulty being retrospective, but like most of us, it is more difficult to be introspective. It is easy to look back and reflect on what others have done to us, but it is much more difficult to look deeply within ourselves and fully expose who we really are.

We cannot see the fulfillment of our aspirations and dreams until we can see who we are. Then and only then can we answer the question that Hagar did not answer.  We cannot alter what has been done to us by others, but we can modify our behavior as it relates to others.  

The Angel of the LORD instructed Hagar to repent and return, (She had taunted Sarai after becoming pregnant with Abraham’s son) and then she would be blessed with countless descendants.

Perhaps, Hagar could have avoided being in the wilderness and mentally depressed if she had taken the time to ask herself the two questions Jesus posed to her before she hit rock bottom. How often do you ask yourself, “Where have I come from and where am I going?” Somehow, I do not believe they were only meant for Hagar.

Focus Quote: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

    –2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)