Don't run from your problem

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Years ago, my best friend from college moved away to begin her professional career. She had just settled into her new apartment, was living in a new city, making new friends, and had already planned exciting trips for the year. I was so happy for her. However, it wasn't long before things took a turn for the worse. She had a minor accident at work and unexpectedly ended up with a broken leg. That day, she called me, devastated and in tears, repeatedly saying that the timing was so wrong and dwelling on how she could have been more careful to avoid the accident.

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During her long road of surgeries, recovery, and finally healing, she had to return to our hometown and move back in with her parents because she was living alone. Surprisingly, that year became a time of significant growth for her. Unable to drive, she spent a lot of time at home and focused on her personal development. She reconnected with her home church and old friends, forming more meaningful relationships. It was refreshing to see the positive impact this negative experience had on her life.  

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When we encounter a new challenge or difficulty, it’s so natural to want to run from it, just like my friend did.

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I am reminded of a well-known figure in the Old Testament: Hagar. Hagar found herself in a challenging situation when her mistress mistreated her (Genesis 16:6). One translation uses the term "afflicted her," which means to be troubled, tormented,  or to suffer physical or mental pain due to a significant problem.

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So Hagar ran away from her.

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The Bible says the angel of the Lord found Hagar by a spring and asked, "Where are you going?" She answered, "I am running away from my mistress." The angel told her to go back and submit to her mistress. God promised to greatly increase her descendants and do something amazing through her obedience. The angel said, "The Lord has heard your misery." Hagar went back and said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."

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Hagar's mistress was her significant problem. It was afflicting her, and she wanted to run from it, much like we often do. But in her running, she encountered the Lord, who advised her to stop running from her problem and submit to it. Meaning, learn something from it. There is a promise that something positive can come from your negative experience. Not only will it serve as a blessing here and now, but as he sees you through your problem, you will see the One who sees you.