by: Jennifer Craine
And 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. Genesis 21:17 (NKJV)
The lad that God heard in this scripture is Ishmael. He is the son of Abraham and his wife Sarah’s maidservant, Hagar. Sarah did not want Ishmael to be heir with her son, Isaac, so she asked Abraham to cast him and his mother out. Abraham was very displeased because Ishmael was his son too. However, God told Abraham to do as his wife requested and not be displeased, that He would make a nation of this child as well because he was also of his seed. So, Hagar and Ishmael were sent out with bread and water. After some time of wandering in the wilderness, they ran out of water. Hagar being desperate and not knowing what to do, left her son under a shrub and went and sat some distance away from him because she couldn’t bear to watch her child die. They both lifted their voices and God heard the lad. In the verses that follow, you’ll find that God opened Hagar’s eyes to see a well of water that provided for them. There was no need for them to fear, because God was with the lad.
Just as God was with the lad and provided for Ishmael’s needs, He is with you too. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is a God that keeps His promises and provides for our every need. Whatever your fear is today, there is no need. God is with you. Lift your voice and cry out to Him in prayer. He is listening. Let Him open your eyes to all the blessings He has for you.