What can we learn about faith from Hagar's experience in Genesis 21:15? Setting the Scene Genesis 21:15 records, “When the water in the skin was gone, she left the boy under one of the bushes.” Hagar, an Egyptian servant, is wandering the wilderness with her son Ishmael after being sent away by Abraham. The skin of water—her last visible resource—has run dry. Faith Meets Empty Hands • Faith is tested when tangible resources disappear. • Hagar’s emptied water skin mirrors our moments when every human option is exhausted (cf. Deuteronomy 8:2–3). • True faith begins where self-reliance ends (2 Corinthians 1:9). Honest Lament Is Not Unbelief • Hagar’s distress is real: she sets Ishmael under a shrub and weeps (v. 16). • Scripture shows God welcoming raw cries (Psalm 34:18; 1 Peter 5:7). • Faith does not deny pain; it brings pain into God’s presence. God Hears Before We See • Genesis 21:17 affirms, “God heard the voice of the boy.” • The One who first revealed Himself to Hagar as “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13) again proves attentive. • Faith rests on God’s character—He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Provision Follows Promise • The angel points Hagar to a well already prepared (21:19). • God had earlier promised, “I will make him a great nation” (21:18). He provides in line with His Word. • Faith looks for supply that flows from promise, not circumstance (Philippians 4:19). Letting Go of Fear, Taking Hold of Future • “Do not be afraid” (21:17) echoes throughout Scripture (Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:32). • Hagar must lift the boy and move forward—faith acts on what God says, not on what eyes see (Hebrews 11:1). • The wilderness becomes the birthplace of a nation (21:20-21). Lessons for Today • Expect faith to be refined when resources run out. • Bring honest lament; God hears and sees you. • Anchor your confidence in God’s unchanging promises. • Look for wells God has already prepared, even if hidden until the moment of need. • Replace fear with obedience; the future He foretells is secure. Summary Snapshot Hagar’s empty water skin teaches that faith flourishes in dependence, laments honestly, listens for God’s word, and steps forward to receive the provision already arranged by the faithful God who sees and hears. |
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