What does "God was with the boy" reveal about God's faithfulness to promises? Setting the Scene Genesis 21:14-21 shows Hagar and her son Ishmael dismissed from Abraham’s camp. Alone in the wilderness, their water gone, Hagar despairs—yet “God was with the boy” (Genesis 21:20). The Promise Recalled • Genesis 16:10-12—The Angel of the LORD promised Hagar, “I will multiply your offspring …” • Genesis 17:20—God told Abraham, “I have blessed him; I will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly.” • Genesis 21:13—Before Ishmael is sent away, God repeats, “I will make him into a nation.” Every word comes straight from God; every word must come to pass. God’s Presence Demonstrated • “God was with the boy”—not merely visited, but stayed. • Provision: a well appears (Genesis 21:19). • Protection: Ishmael thrives in a harsh wilderness. • Purpose: “He became an archer,” a skill essential for survival and the future nation God promised. Faithfulness in the Wilderness • Physical wilderness could not nullify divine promises. • Human rejection could not cancel divine election. • Immediate lack did not contradict ultimate abundance. Supporting Passages • Numbers 23:19—“God is not a man, that He should lie.” • Deuteronomy 31:8—“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you.” • Isaiah 55:11—His word “will not return to Me empty.” • Hebrews 13:5—“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Implications for Today • God’s promises stand regardless of circumstances. • His presence guarantees the fulfillment of those promises. • Wilderness seasons often become the very arenas where His faithfulness shines brightest. |
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