She Saw a Well of Water
Genesis 21:18-19a
“Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water.
I spoke yesterday of the disappointment that comes when our mountaintop moments suddenly become valley moments, but the reverse is also true, isn’t it? Look at Hagar and Ishmael here. Once again, they find themselves out-casted by Sarah. Once again, they’ve been left to die in the barren wilderness. But, once again, the best Father of all comes to their rescue. Notice, though, that Hagar isn’t just dehydrated spiritually, she’s dehydrated physically, and God doesn’t merely speak a word for her encouragement: He digs a well for her nourishment. I bet she races to it at full speed. I bet she plunges her sunbaked face into those cool, refreshing ripples, drinking deeply of it, baptizing her countenance in it, rejuvenating her faith in a God Who isn’t just the Father of patriarchs and promised sons, but the Father of slaves and orphans too.
Christian, is there a Hagar or an Ishmael in your life today? Don’t just deliver a word. Dig a well! Whatever form that kindness takes.