Sarah got her wish. She conceived her son of promise and Abraham agreed to send away Hagar and Ishmael so no longer did she have to remember the guilt and shame of her sin.
It was not Hagar’s idea to sleep with her boss. It was the mistresses’ idea. Initially, she was grateful that a son was conceived but once she became a mother, she wanted to see no sign of her suggestion.
The Voice that Thunders in Love
Very often, it seems those who are against us are winning. If we look at the world today, we see wrong parading in the garment of righteousness and we may even feel powerless to speak since if we do we hear that we are promoting division and injustice. Yet, we must never lose sight of the voice of truth. The voice that thunders in love and justice, the voice that makes the difference.
Abraham sends Hagar and the boy child away with food and a skin of water. But the water runs out and along with it, Hagar’s hope so she cries. It is not really a cry to God but the God who is everywhere and concerned with everything hears her cry and responds.
When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she began to sob.
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.” Genesis 21:15-18
It is amazing to remember that God knows each time you cry.
He Hears Your Cry
He hears the loud whimper and the heart wrenching sob. Every time you cry, He looks on and He hears. The truth is their words may write you off, they may feel like they win when you have to pack your bags and go but the only report for you to believe is the report of God. The only voice that matters is His. Psalm 29 gives a beautiful narration on the voice of God. we are told, it is over the waters, it is powerful, it is majestic, it breaks cedars, it strikes with flashes of lightning, it shakes deserts, it strips oaks and makes forests bare.
Their taunts hurt you, the words from their mouth cut like a sword but whose voice will you elevate in your circumstances? Not only is His voice better, but from His mouth proceeds the word of life. Listen intently to Him. His voice is all that matters.
Michelle Anderson is author of the books “The Holy Spirit Gives Life” and “Giants in the Shadows”. She is also the creator of the podcast, “From the Pages of My Diary”.
