Today’s Reading: Genesis 21:1-21, 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. He is faithful and He can be trusted. He is omnipotent and nothing is too difficult for Him. He is the God who does the impossible, providing for us over and over again.
And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” – Genesis 21:6-7
God also provided for Hagar in today’s passage. As the boys grew older, Abraham threw a huge feast to celebrate Sarah’s son, Isaac. But Ishmael foolishly made fun of Isaac and, in response, Sarah demanded Hagar and her son be sent away.
This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. – Genesis 21:11
WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.
This passage usually brings me to a place of pity and compassion for Hagar, but this morning I wonder just how difficult this must have been for Abraham. After all, he loved Ishmael. He knew God’s promise would be fulfilled through Isaac, but he probably envisioned Ishmael to be a part of his life as well. Abraham was caught in a feud between two family members, and he did what he knew to do — he took his concerns and his heartbreak to the Lord.
But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.” – Genesis 21:12-13
Once again, we see Abraham responding in obedience to God, but we also see the heart of a father who wants to supply the needs of his son. Abraham got up early the next morning to prepare some food and water for Hagar and Ishmael. Then he did what Sarah had asked and what God had instructed him to do — he sent them away.
WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.
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.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3
Oh the love of a God who sees us when we are hurting, and comforts us when we grieve. It is often in the moments of our deepest pain or fear that God makes His presence known and opens our eyes to His provision. It is often when we have run out of our own resources and can no longer find a solution to our problem that the Lord comes through for us.
“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
Oh Lord, open my eyes to your provision! See me in the wilderness and make your presence known to me, and I will drink from the well you have mercifully placed in my path. I will be filled with the gift of your nourishment and sustenance, praising you for the bread of today and trusting you for tomorrow.
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 27 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.
WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.
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 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