STAY UNDER

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Text : Genesis 16:9

 *And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.* 

 *Everyone wants to be the boss, no one wants to stay under another, but there is much safety in staying under authority.* 

To discern a leader amongst followers, is to identify a follower who can unconditionally stay under authority.  *A potential leader is a follower who has learnt to stay under authority.* This is God's ordained pattern for His children. Hence, every leader is shouldered with the responsibility of leading according to God's desire. Great responsibility is on every leader, for they will give account for their leadership.

From our text, Sarai complained to Abram about her maiden's (Hagar's) misbehaviour. Sarai is being despised by Hagar simply because she had given Abram a Son (Ishmael). Abram's response to Sarai showed a great respect and love for her as a wife. He replied,  "Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee..."

Immediately Abram said this to Sarai, the Bible remarked on her reaction thus:
"*... ```And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face``` "* Genesis 16:6.

Looking at the scenario above, you will think that God will rebuke Sarai for treating her maiden harshly and fiercely, but that was not the case. 

You can't imagine where Hagar fled to. She escaped to the wilderness. There, the Angel of the Lord found her and asked her: "Where have you come from, and where are you going?" She said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai." 

This spelt out the harsh treatment Hagar received from Sarai, yet the response of the Angel was intriguing. *The Angel of the LORD said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand."* 

If you were Hagar, would you like to go back to such mistress?
Would you be willing to submit yourself to such harsh treatment?

God always wants you to submit to authority so far such is not asking you to deny God. 

 *It is in staying under that you find fulfillment.*


 *BIBLE READING* 
Gemesis 16:5-15.

 *PRAYER FOCUS* 

1. Lord, I receive grace to stay under authority.


 *_CHRIST IMAGE ASSEMBLY CAMPUS MOVEMENT_*  +233546618338, +233558355977 https://hisvoicedevotional.blogspot.com

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