All along it was right in front of me and I did not even realize it.”

The above statement is often made after finally finding something after a long period of searching. We are often surprised that what we sought after was not too far from us. The moment of discovery is filled with joy, contentment, and praises to God for His faithful provision. But I wonder how come we did not notice it all this while.

In this devotion, we see a similar event takes place in the life of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21: 14:21) Hagar and Ishmael have been sent away by Abraham and are wondering in the wilderness of Beersheba, very tired and thirsty. Ishmael was so weak that his mother laid him under a shrub to rest while she cried out pleading that her son will not die.

And God God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the lad a drink. So, God was with the lad; and he grew and dwelt in the wilderness and became an archer.”

Genesis 21:17-20 NKJV

Pray to God for Help

Under the shrub I believe in his frail and weary body, Ishmael prayed to the God of His father Abraham. Truly, God heard his cry and came to him and his mother’s aid. In our difficult and trying moments, Beloved, let’s not neglect the great privilege of prayer. May God strengthen us with grace to cry unto Him in times of need and He will hear and answer us (1 John 5:14).

God Helps

God hears the cry of Ishmael and does two key things:

1. God sends a word to encourage and uplift Hagar’s soul. “Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.”. I believe this word gave Hagar the assurance that they will live and not die, the word quickened her faith in God and gave her hope for brighter days to come.
2. God opens Hagar’s eyes to see the well of water which was there all along. The tiredness, pain of being sent away and thoughts of how they were going to survive had blinded the eyes of Hagar from seeing what was right in front of her. Just like Hagar, we also miss out on opportunities, resources, and other blessings from God when we are blinded by the overwhelming situations we are experiencing. It is hard to hope and see when times are difficult but when we tune into God and allow His word to quicken us, our faith in God will be strengthened and our eyes will be opened to see that which God has already provided to fulfill the needs in our lives.

Heavenly Father, may you open our eyes to see that which we need to see to fulfill your purpose in our lives. Whatever May be overwhelming our sight be removed in Jesus name that we may see and press on in Jesus name. Be blessed Beloved.