The Angel of the Lord said to Hagar, “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” (Genesis 16:8 NKJV). Hagar told the Angel of the Lord she was fleeing from her harsh mistress Sarai. He commanded Hagar to return to her harsh mistress and submit to her. This probably seemed very confusing and hurtful to Hagar at the time. The Lord said to Hagar that she would have a son, and he would be called Ishmael, which means “God hears.” So, Hagar did return and submitted herself to her mistress, and just as God had promised, Ishmael was blessed and became the father of a great nation. This request to return to a place of humiliation, rejection, and pain is a hard choice. Yet, even when we don’t understand why we are being asked to return, God knows. He cannot bless us the way He desires to bless us if we do not heed His voice. My friend, do not fear. Do not give in to the tough situation you are facing. Instead, heed the voice of the God who sees, and be obedient to His voice. Know that your Father is in control of everything, no matter how difficult your situation may appear. Be still and wait patiently on the God who sees.