“And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.” (Genesis 21:19.)

Wilderness is an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region. There are times in life that we find ourselves in our own spiritual wilderness. Those circumstances that are out of our control, such as the immediate onset of a debilitating illness, grief, homelessness, separations, financial loss, fear, and the list can go on. Where do we turn when feelings of despondency, fear, and hopelessness flood the mind and soul?

I would like to remind somebody out there today that there is hope in God. Remember that the light will always dispel the darkness. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12.)

Hagar was an Egyptian bondswoman, the servant that Sarah gave to her husband, Abraham, to have a child. But once Sarah was able to conceive and bear Isaac, the child of promise, she despised Hagar and had Abraham cast her and the child out of their home. “And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.” (Genesis 21:14.)

Hagar was literally thrown out into the wilderness, feeling like no one cared for her or her child. There, she prepared to watch her child die.  But God knew exactly where Hagar was…God has divine providence over all life’s circumstances. He knows, cares, and is working beyond what we can see to deliver all His beloved children.

Hagar did not know about the conversation between God and Abraham in (Genesis 21:12-13,)  where God reveals his plans for her son Ishmael: “And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.”

On that lonely and hopeless day, God stepped in for Hagar and sent an angel to minister to her heart. As a matter of fact, the angel asked Hagar what aileth thee? God had heard Ishmael’s voice; He planned to make a nation of Ishmael because he was the seed of Abraham. God keeps His promises, my friends, and He hears the cries of His children. “And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.” Genesis 21:19-20.

My friends, God is always working behind the scenes in our lives. Wherever life has you, or a loved one, at this very moment, remember that God has the ultimate plan. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” We are not alone!

Even in the wildernesses of life, don’t give up on God. He is there providing, protecting, comforting, and sustaining you through it all. Have faith in God – He sees and is nearer than the very air we breathe. He is our rock in a weary land; praise God, our hope, peace, and unspeakable joy now and forever!

God’s blessings and grace be with us all!