Genesis 21-22

Today we read about God’s provision. We learned in Genesis 16 about how Hagar runs away from Sarah because of her cruelty. When Sarah and Abraham sent Hagar away for good, she was likely afraid of what their future would look like. It was difficult in those times for a woman without a husband to provide for her. When on their journey through the wilderness, they run out of water. Hagar believes they are going to die, yet God has compassion on them. God sees Hagar just as he did when she was alone in the wilderness pregnant and hears their cries. God provides a well of water and promises that He will make her son into a great nation.

God also saves Isaac’s life by providing Abraham with a ram as an alternative sacrifice. Abraham was told by God that he would be given many offspring and God kept His promise through the life of Isaac. Abraham and Sarah laughed at the fact that they had a son in such old age, yet that didn’t stop God from keeping a promise. When God told Abraham to take his only son to be offered up as a sacrifice, Abraham trusted God based on His past faithfulness to provide Abraham with a son. Hebrews 11:17-18 says, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’” Faithfully, Abraham obeyed and faithfully God provided a ram stuck in a thorn bush. 

One of the greatest things that God promises us is the provision of the Holy Spirit when we place our faith in Jesus. Jesus says, “if you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13). Today, ask God to provide for your every need and trust in His faithfulness. Ask God to help you seek His presence and lead you by the Spirit.