Scripture to Read: Genesis 21:8-34
As we continually walk with our Lord each day, we see how God’s faithfulness shows us, again and again, that trusting Him and His Truth brings great joy. In Genesis 21, we see how God’s faithfulness continued as He provided protection for Hagar and Ishmael, who Abraham had sent away at the request of Sarah. Also, the Lord made a great nation out of Ishmael because he was Abraham’s son. Again, God always fulfills His promises. God had promised Abraham to make Ishmael a nation because Ishmael was Abraham’s seed (Genesis 21:13). As we read Genesis 21:15-21, we see that Hagar and Ishmael left the following morning after Abraham had asked them to go, and Abraham provided them with food and water. But the water ran out quickly and that brought Hagar to a moment in despair. But God showed up and spoke to Hagar. God promised Hagar that Ishmael would become a great nation. God also provided water for Hagar and Ishmael, meeting their every need. Then we read, as Ishmael grew up, that Hagar found a wife for Ishmael in Egypt. To know more, we find in 1 Chronicles 1:29-31 the records of the genealogy of Abraham through Ishmael. This is important because God fulfills His promises, and we can trust Him to continue to do the same today. In Genesis 21:22-34, God shows us the relationship between Abimelech and Abraham. The great takeaway is that the Lord gave Abraham His blessing and favor, even in the eyes of others.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about His provision, even when it seems like a hopeless situation?
2. How are you trusting God, even with the smallest details of your life, and how are you seeing Him work in each one?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!