The God Who Hears~Wednesday

In Genesis 21:8, things were starting to look up for Hagaar. Abraham was throwing a feast for Ismael and then Sarah caught Ishmael making fun of Isaac. As any momma knows, kindness does not come easily when your child is made fun of. Sarah was no exception. Hopefully we are not as venomous as Sarah was. She demanded that Abraham get rid of Hagar and Ishmael. The first time Hagar ran, but this time she was sent away.  

In verse 14,, it says that Abraham strapped water to Hagar’s shoulders along with food and sent her away and from there she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba. I wonder if when she called Ishmael as they were wandering if she was beginning to doubt this God Who Sees? Was she expectant that He would move on her behalf or was she beginning to doubt her earlier experience with Him? Did the loneliness once again overtake her as she wandered alone with her son?  

Things went from bad to worse as her little boy, once full of energy, began to grow weak from no water. In verse 16, it says Hagar went and laid him down and then went and sat 100 yards away because she didn’t want to watch him die. I am guessing that moment may have been the loneliest in her life. Not only had she lost her provision and all relationships, she now stood to lose her son and her life.  

In verse 17, there was the greatest but in all of Hagar’s life. “BUT God heard.” Her life was going one direction with no hope of life— but God heard.  

Your life may be in disrepair. Your marriage may be rocky and getting worse. Your kids may be heading in the wrong direction. Your life may be going fine outwardly, but inwardly you are wandering in your own wilderness. You may wear a smile, but that smile masks so many, many things. Or maybe you don’t wear a smile at all, but wish you did more often. There is not a cry that is not heard by our Hearing God. Even the faintest cry is heard by Him.  

Father,
Thank You that You see exactly where I am today. You are not confused by my life, but You want to give me hope in the middle of my situation. Thank You that You never leave me alone and that You are truly near. Help me to see that You really do hear me.  I will look to You for help.  I wait confidently for You to save me and you will certainly hear me (Micah 7:7).

​Author:  Wendy Gerdes

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