The God Who SeesSample

The God Who Cares

Years passed, and once again, Hagar found herself in the desert. Sarah had finally given birth to a son, and Hagar and her own child, Ishmael, were no longer welcome.

It had to be so frustrating for Hagar. Time and time again, people had failed her. Did no one care about her? About her son?

God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. Genesis 21:17-19

Sometimes, our anxiety and grief feel so great that we’re blind to everything else. Chances are, in her pain and fear, Hagar forgot that God had already proven He could provide for her in the place she was in. It’s easy to focus on our desert and miss the water God has left to refresh and encourage us.

God cares about what you’re going through and has provided resources for you to get through it. Maybe what you need is physical, like a glass of water, food, and a nap. Maybe it's a friendship that's right in front of your eyes. Or maybe it’s something deeper, and you need to start setting boundaries or talking to someone.

Whether Hagar knew it or not, God cared about her situation. In fact, even before she was sent to the desert, God had already planned her survival. Before God spoke to Hagar in the desert, God told Abraham in verses 11-13 not to worry because “I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.” God might have allowed Hagar to walk through the desert, but He wasn’t going to leave her there to suffer alone. From the very beginning, He had good plans for her and her son, and the same is true for you today. God has already worked out what you're worried about.

Challenge: Ask God to open your eyes to His provision. Write down five ways God cares or has cared for you. Put this somewhere you will see it.