The need for reconciliation ranks among the most crucial necessities in our lives and the world. Reconciliation brings joy. But its roots often lie in the past. God told Abraham he and Sarah would have the son of the promise. After years with no child, they grew impatient. Sarah proposed having a child with Hagar, their servant, …
Abraham was protecting the covenant when he sent Keturah’s children away. It sounds quite hard-hearted to us today. Genesis 25: 6 But before he died, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them off to a land in the east, away from Isaac. [1] Abraham had learned a lesson when Ishmael made …
God works through sinners, revealing His patience and compassion. Have you ever felt unworthy when God used you in some way during your Christian life? If so, you are not alone! God doesn’t need our help in the world, but He chooses to work with us nonetheless. This can be puzzling to some until they …
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 …
God responds to our cries because He loves and cares for us. Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. 6 Perhaps there was a significant time in your life when you cried out to the Lord, or you might be experiencing …
Earlier, Sarah and Abraham had lacked trust in God’s plan. Since Sarah had not become pregnant, she had her maid act as a surrogate for her. Ishmael was born as a result of that decision. Now, they were experiencing the consequences. Genesis 21: 9 But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making …
When God has a future, don’t hang onto the past. God told Abraham that even though he and Sarah were old, they would have a child. Abraham laughed at the thought and then asked about Ishmael. Genesis 17:18 So, Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!” [1] Understandably, Abraham was concerned about …