Ishmael and God's Provision (Genesis 16)

Week of December 14, 2009

"She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me...' "
Genesis 16:13 (NIV)

Meet some real "Desperate Housewives:"

Sarai, a.k.a. Sarah. Although promised by God to bear children one day, her patience for her seemingly barren womb had worn thin. In a time of doubt, she "gave" her maid, Hagar, to her husband Abram, a.k.a. Abraham. Their plan? Abram would sleep with Hagar, she would conceive, and Sarai would raise the baby as her own with Abram.

Surprisingly, this practice was common in ancient Middle East.
Not surprisingly, heavy drama ensued.
Resentment and hatred grew between the two women. The Bible tells us that Sarai "dealt harshly" with Hagar, and Hagar fled.

Did she feel... scared? lonely? abandoned? hopeless? abused?
Likely so.

But in this time of great trial, she discovered the presence of God. "...The Angel of the LORD said to her, 'I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude. ...Behold you are with child, and you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the LORD has heard your affliction.' " (Gen. 16:10-11.)

The descendants of Ishmael are believed to be the Arabs, one of only two peoples that survived from the time of the Old Testament. God faithfully kept His promise to Hagar. He heard her in her time of fear and provided for her every need.

Even in dire circumstances, God had a plan for Hagar and for her son, Ishmael--before he was born. God's work is sometimes seen in the most unexpected places.

Noelle Moll

Life 4 All Ministries