How can we trust God's provision as seen in Genesis 21:20? Genesis 21 : 20 “God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became an archer.” The backdrop—Hagar and Ishmael sent away • Abraham obeys God and releases Hagar and Ishmael (21:14). • A skin of water soon runs dry (21:15). • God hears Ishmael’s cries and opens Hagar’s eyes to a well (21:17-19). • Verse 20 summarizes the outcome: continual, sufficient, personal provision. What verse 20 shows about God’s provision • “God was with the boy” — unbroken presence, not an occasional visit (cf. Joshua 1:9). • “He grew up” — long-term care; God supplies what sustains growth (cf. Deuteronomy 2:7). • “Settled in the wilderness” — provision even in barren places (cf. Psalm 78:19-20). • “Became an archer” — skills, purpose, and future secured by God (cf. Psalm 138:8). Why we can trust the same God • His character does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). • He promises to meet needs, not just desires (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:31-33). • He sees and hears the distressed (Genesis 16:13; 21:17). • He provides before we perceive it—well in the desert, manna in the wilderness, daily bread today (Exodus 16; Matthew 6:11). • His provision is often progressive: presence → preservation → purpose. Practical ways to rest in His provision 1. Recall specific past provisions (1 Samuel 7:12). 2. Meditate on supply-centered passages (Psalm 23; Matthew 6:25-34). 3. Obey current instructions, as Abraham did (Genesis 21:12-14). 4. Pray with expectancy, not anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7). 5. Steward what He supplies—Hagar filled the skin; Ishmael honed archery. 6. Encourage others with testimonies of His faithfulness (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Takeaway Genesis 21:20 illustrates a God who stays, sustains, and shapes. Because He is unchanged, we can entrust every wilderness moment to His unfailing provision. |
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