What can we learn from Hagar's actions about trusting God's promises? Setting the Scene “and she went and sat down across from him, about a bowshot away, for she thought, ‘I cannot bear to watch the boy die!’ And as she sat nearby, she lifted her voice and wept.” (Genesis 21:16) The Promise Hagar Already Had • Genesis 16:10 – “Then the Angel of the LORD said to her, ‘I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.’” • Genesis 17:20 – “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will surely bless him…” Hagar possessed a clear, verbal promise from God concerning Ishmael’s future, yet the dry desert made that promise feel distant. Hagar’s Crisis at Beersheba • Physical lack: no water, scorching heat. • Emotional overload: “I cannot bear to watch the boy die.” • Relational distance: she set Ishmael “about a bowshot away,” separating herself from the situation. • Spiritual amnesia: she wept as though no promise had been spoken. Lessons on Trusting God’s Promises • Remember what God has said – Like Hagar, we easily forget earlier assurances when new trouble appears (Romans 15:4). • Stay close to the need instead of retreating in despair – Elijah’s widow faced death head-on and watched oil multiply (1 Kings 17:12-16). • Cry out, but anchor hope in His word – “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears” (Psalm 34:17). God met Hagar’s tears with reaffirmation, not rebuke (Genesis 21:17-18). • God hears before we see – Ishmael’s very name means “God hears.” The well already existed; Hagar’s eyes merely had to be opened (Genesis 21:19). • Provision often follows obedience – After God said, “Get up…lift the boy” (21:18), Hagar acted and found water. Faith moves toward the promise. • God keeps covenants despite our doubts – Ishmael did become a great nation (Genesis 25:12-18), proving that moments of panic cannot cancel God’s plan (2 Timothy 2:13). • Trust involves seeing past the immediate – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Desert paths still lead to wells when God guides. Living the Lesson Today • Rehearse God’s past faithfulness to silence present fears. • Refuse to distance yourself from difficult situations; stay and watch for divine provision. • Let tears become prayers; heaven always hears. • Act on the last clear word God gave—obedience often unveils the “well” already prepared. |
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