In Genesis 21, Abraham sends Hagar and her son, Ishmael off
into the desert with the weight of food and water on her shoulders. (If you’re not familiar with the story, do a
quick read of Genesis 21: 8-20) A small amount of the bare essentials; the
weight upon her shoulders so much more. Not near enough to sustain for any
length of time. Seemingly unprepared for a future in the desert. But there she
goes. Has to go. Into the desert. Knowing there’s not enough to support life
for her and her son.
Ever
find yourself going headlong into a desert / trial and not fully prepared?
Taking a journey you have to take?
And as she sat there
nearby, she began to sob. (v. 16)
Then
there is the sobbing. Not whining, complaining. Not whimpering, sniffles.
SOBBING! All is lost hiccupping, howling. The end of the rope. The end of all
options. The end of all hope.
Ever
find yourself in a place where all possible ideas for relief have been tried;
exhausted? You’re at your wits end. The brainstorming pool has dried up. It is
obviously the end.
Do not be afraid. God has
heard … (v.17)
God
has heard! Once again these words of comfort, hope and promise: Do not be
afraid. Get up. God says He has plans for your future.
Then God opened her eyes
and she saw a well of water (v. 19).
When
all seems lost, when human capability has been drained, God steps in. I guess
so you know it’s God Who is your Sustainer and not your own doing. God opens
her eyes when it got the darkest and shows her where the life-giving water is.
So she went and filled
her skin (v.19).
From
deep mourning to gladness – all because she was led to water. So refreshing,
renewing, this life-giving water. She filled until she could hold no more.
Jesus
is your living water. Whether you’ve just been set out on a desert journey, or
you’ve been wandering for a while, or you’ve exhausted all resources and find
yourself sobbing, God says to you and to me: Do not be afraid. I have heard
your cries. Open your eyes and see the Living Water I offer.
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