Hagar and Ishmael experienced God’s provision during desperation. Abraham had sent them away because Ishmael had become a threat to Isaac. While Abraham had sent some provisions, they were gone, and their situation was life-threatening.
Genesis 21: 17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18 Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”
19 Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink.
20 And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, 21 and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt. [1]
Provision Revealed
Water is essential in the desert, and the first thing God did was open Hagar’s eyes to a well nearby. Now, people often cover desert wells to prevent them from evaporating. Did Hagar see past a cover, or did God supernaturally create a well there? We don’t know, but either way, God provided water and opened Hagar’s eyes to it.
God continues to reveal the necessary provisions even today. Jeremiah 33: 2 “This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: 3 Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.[2] God can reveal things because He is the Creator. Many times, God enlightens us to use what we have readily available, just as Hagar did.
His Presence Guides
God was with Ishmael as he grew up in the wilderness. Even though Ishmael was not the inheritor of the covenant, God had promised Abraham that He would provide for the child. Genesis 17:20 As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.[3]
Genesis 21: 13 But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.” [4] Genesis 25: 16 These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to the places they settled and camped. 17 Ishmael lived for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death.[5] Ishmael and Hagar survived their desert experience. Ishmael became a talented archer and the father of twelve tribes. God had unique plans for Ishmael and has plans for each of us. He hears our cries and gives provision during desperation. Deuteronomy 31: 6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.[6] To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.