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Daily Devotion: Genesis 16:11-13

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Genesis 16:11-13    "And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.  (12)  And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.  (13)  And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?"

These verses are concerning the estate of Hagar, the handmaid of Sarai.  Strife was between Sarai and Hagar after she suggested to Abram that Hagar bear a son. As a result, Hagar fled into the wilderness. It was there the Lord came to her to give her relief. Read carefully these three verses to see the consequences that remain even to this day as God gave Hagar a description of the life of Ishmael.

The lesson that came to my heart this morning speaks of God's faithfulness and mercy even when others may reject us. Hagar felt herself to be all alone with no hope for her future life as she was in the wilderness. May I say just now that I'm thankful our relationship with the Lord is not based upon our feelings; rather, on HIs faithfulness to us. God came and spoke to her sweet words of comfort. It was after this that "... she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?"  She was speaking these words because even though she had not looked to the Lord in her affliction, He came to her with mercy, grace, and favor upon her life.

Yes, we can be assured that even when we think we are all alone, God is with us. God sees us. He knows our situation and circumstance and He is ready with mercy and grace upon our life. He is faithful and true and full majesty, grace and power.

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