“Survival of the fittest” was once an important life lesson within public education. Darwin believed that the continued existence of organisms are best adapted to their environment as species evolve over time. From a human nature standpoint, individuals tend to be self-reliant until there’s a realization that certain things can’t be accomplished on your own. Subsequently, when people become desperate in life, God is usually a last resort after everything else you have tried fails.
So she called the name of the Lord Who spoke to her, You are a God of seeing, for she said, Have I [not] even here [in the wilderness] looked upon Him Who sees me [and lived]? Or have I here also seen [the future purposes or designs of] Him Who sees me? – Genesis 16:13
After running away from home, Hagar was alone in the wilderness and expecting a child. Perhaps, Hagar experienced her own version of a prodigal child, Luke 15:11-32, coming to her senses in the middle of a desert at night. Prior to calling upon the Lord, Hagar had an encounter with an angel of the Lord. While she may not have initially agreed with the advice provided by this angel, she calls upon the name of the Lord shortly after this angel departs.
And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. 7 It is right and appropriate for me to have this confidence and feel this way about you all, because [b]you have me in your heart and I hold you in my heart as partakers and sharers, one and all with me, of grace (God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing). [This is true] both when I am shut up in prison and when I am out in the defense and confirmation of the good news (the Gospel), Philippians 1:6-7.
Most human beings have not had the fortune of being visited by an angel, but modern-day Christians do have access to a copy of the Bible, either physically or a virtual copy online. When the apostle Paul wrote the comforting words to the Church at Philippi, this message still applies today. Whenever you do call upon the name of the Lord, pray with confidence about the plans God has for your future. As you follow the steps listed in Romans 12:1-2, you’ll be ready to meet God with a willing heart.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 