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Daily Devotion: Genesis 21:19

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Genesis 21:19    "And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink."

Abraham did as Sarah had asked and with the affirmation of God, he sent Hagar and Ishmael away into the wilderness. He provided bread and water for her and the son, but it did not last very long. Hagar placed Ishmael under a shrub and then went to sit down. Within her mind, she had no hope for her son or herself. She thought they were left there to die. She said, " Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept."  It was at that point that God sent His angel who said, "... fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is."  God came to her in a mighty way to give both instant relief and promise for the future. He told her, "Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation." Though Isaac was the promised son, God also had a promise for Ishmael. Hope was restored when she realized the presence of God was still with her.

Have you ever felt yourself to be in a hopeless state? It seems many people in our time have that feeling because of the way in which the world is going.  Hope is a dwindling commodity if our eyes and our minds are only focused on situations and circumstances. Hagar only could see her son being hungry and thirsty, and that is understandable. We want what is best for our children and will sacrifice our own well-being in order to assure them to be okay. We aren't told, but I have a feeling that the majority, if not all, of the bread and water was given to Ishmael. What is the cure for such a state of mind? For me, it is very important to remember the promises of God. It is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being. He is the strength of our life and has given us the light for our path through His written Word. One promise that I heavily rely upon is that He "... hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)  Jesus Christ is that Living Water that renews, revives, and refreshes. I pray I will always remember to keep my eyes upon Him. He is with us in every matter of life. With Christ, I always have hope for now and for the future. 

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