Today’s Reading: Genesis 21, Psalm 147
The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. – Genesis 21:1-2
What a great reminder to start off our time in God’s word! God will do exactly as He promises at the exact time He said He would do it. The Lord is faithful and He can be trusted. This was also confirmed to Hagar and Abraham in today’s passage.
Hagar foolishly made fun of Sarah’s son, Isaac, and in response Sarah demanded Hagar and her son, Ishmael, be sent away. Abraham loved Ishmael but obeyed when God told him to do as Sarah had asked. Hagar wandered aimlessly in the wilderness, soon running out of the food and water Abraham had given them. She laid her son under the shade of a bush and then walked away, unable to watch him die.
“Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. – Genesis 21:17b-20a
WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.
God reminds me of this truth often when it comes to my family. In fact, today’s passage of scripture is a great reminder of how God fulfilled a promise to me 23 years ago and continues to faithfully provide and protect.
In 1996 after three miscarriages and a hopeless diagnosis from a doctor, I received a promise from God that I would have a baby in about a year. Just as He promised, Elizabeth Kathryn was born 12 months later. My faith grew tremendously as I experienced firsthand the fulfillment of a specific promise from God.
As part of that promise, God revealed that my child would have a heart for Him. Libby has a very special relationship with God and He is preparing her for the ministry to which He is calling her. As He prepares her, I must let go and trust Him. I must remind myself that she is His and I do not need to protect her from His perfect plan for her life. So every time she gets another stamp in her passport, I thank God for the opportunities He is giving her and for his faithful protection over her.
There is joy in watching God’s plan for our children roll out but it takes courage to daily place them in God’s hands. No matter how excited we are about what God has for our children, no matter how long we have planned for each next step, no matter how much we have prepared for this moment – there is nothing easy about letting go of our children and trusting God with what comes next. As parents we must daily place these precious gifts from God back into the hands of the God who provides.
He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension…The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:4-5,11