What steps can we take to rely on God during our own wilderness experiences? Setting the Scene: Genesis 21:15 “When the water in the skin was gone, she left the boy under one of the bushes.” Hagar’s water ran out, the desert heat pressed in, and every visible resource disappeared. Our own “wilderness” moments—loss, uncertainty, exhaustion—can feel just as barren. Yet, the Lord who met Hagar meets us as well. Step 1: Admit the Empty Skin • Face the lack honestly. • Refuse to pretend self-sufficiency. • Psalm 142:6—“Listen to my cry, for I am brought very low.” Honest acknowledgement opens the door for divine intervention. Step 2: Cry Out, Don’t Give Up • Genesis 21:16-17—God hears the boy’s cry; He hears ours. • Philippians 4:6—“In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” A heart-level cry is never wasted; heaven records every syllable. Step 3: Listen for Specific Guidance • Genesis 21:17—“God called to Hagar from heaven…” • Isaiah 30:21—“Your ears will hear a word behind you…” Silence the inner noise so His direction can surface. Step 4: Act on the Next Clear Instruction • Genesis 21:18—“Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand…” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word…” Obedience, even in small steps, positions us for the miracle. Step 5: Expect God to Reveal Provision Already Present • Genesis 21:19—“Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water.” • Isaiah 43:19—“I will make rivers in the desert.” Often the answer sits within reach; God must open our eyes to see it. Step 6: Remember His Past Faithfulness • Deuteronomy 8:2—“Remember all the way the LORD your God led you in the wilderness.” • 1 Samuel 7:12—“Thus far the LORD has helped us.” Rehearsing previous rescues fuels fresh trust. Step 7: Hold to the Promises over Your Life • Genesis 21:13—God had already promised to make Ishmael a nation. • 2 Corinthians 1:20—“All the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” A promise from God is an unbreakable anchor in shifting sand. Step 8: Walk Forward in Ongoing Dependence • Genesis 21:20—“God was with the boy as he grew.” • Psalm 23:4—“Even though I walk through the valley… You are with me.” Reliance isn’t a one-time event; it’s the rhythm of daily life with God beside us. Key Takeaways for Your Wilderness Journey – Own the emptiness. – Lift your voice to heaven. – Listen, then obey promptly. – Look for God’s hidden wells. – Lean on yesterday’s testimonies. – Stand on unfailing promises. – Keep moving with the One who never leaves. |
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