The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, ‘Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?’ ‘I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,’ she answered.
Genesis 16:7–8 NIV
In Genesis 16:7–8, we see a profound lesson about understanding our true identity in God. When the angel of the Lord met Hagar near a spring in the desert, he addressed her as the “slave of Sarai”. This statement was not to demean her but to gently remind her of her true position. Hagar’s pregnancy had given her a false sense of identity, leading her to believe her status had changed. Through this encounter, the angel reminder Hagar of her true identity, a reality she seemed to have lost sight of.
Hagar’s story illustrates how circumstances can blur our understanding of who we truly are. Carrying her master’s child, Hagar began to act as if her role had changed. She allowed pride and false expectations to shape her perception. But the angel of the Lord gently redirected her, reminding her of her actual position as Sarai’s servant and, ultimately, of her need to see herself through God’s eyes.
When Hagar became pregnant, she allowed her situation to inflate her sense of self-worth. Her actions reflected a belief that her status had been elevated, as she began to look down on Sarai. This shift was rooted in pride and a misunderstanding of her true identity in God.
This false sense of identity led to tension with Sarai, whose mistreatment of Hagar eventually drove her away. However, the angel’s words were not meant to condemn but to guide her back to the truth: Hagar’s worth and purpose were not defined by her circumstances but by God’s plan for her life.
The story of Hagar reminds us how easy it is to let temporary changes—whether success, failure, or even personal achievements—distort our self-perception. Yet, true peace and purpose come when we anchor our identity in God’s unchanging truth.
The key to overcoming a false sense of identity is learning to see ourselves as God sees us. Our true identity in God is not based on external factors, roles, or achievements but on His unchanging love and purpose for our lives. If Hagar had embraced humility and submission instead of letting pride take control, her story might have unfolded differently.
By aligning ourselves with God’s perspective, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and live with humility and clarity. This understanding allows us to navigate life’s challenges while staying grounded in the truth of who we are in Him.
Hagar’s story encourages us to reflect on how we view ourselves and seek God’s guidance in shaping our identity.
In conclusion, Hagar’s encounter with the angel of the Lord is a powerful reminder of the importance of grounding our identity in God. Her story demonstrates the dangers of pride and false perceptions. Meanwhile, it also points us to the redemptive truth of our true identity in God.
When we see ourselves as God does, we can live lives of humility, purpose, and peace. May we always remember to align our hearts with His truth, finding strength in His unchanging love and guidance.
Prayer: “Lord, help me to see myself as You see me. Teach me to walk in humility and live a life that brings glory and praise to Your name. Amen.”
