Seeing God's Provision

Hagar was running from her mistress only to find herself and her child in a barren wasteland (Genesis 16: 7).

As much as we have the prodigal son in the New Testament, Hagar might be called your female prodigal. With Abraham's family, Hagar had plenty to eat, provision and protection except she was despised and not wanted. She was mistreated by Sarah who tried in vain to bring about God's promised offspring - something only He could provide.

When we are facing trying and difficult times, it's easy to look back at the "Egypt" season in our lives where it seemed everything was plentiful. But our minds tend to forget the cost of our self-made provision outside the providence of God. Many of us were morally and spiritually bankrupt. We didn't pray or believe God would hear us.

Israel wanderings in the desert found themselves complaining for water, meat and other fleshly desires. The moaned about returning to Egypt where the "flesh pots" were never empty and they had plenty to drink and eat. All the while forgetting they were slaves in a place of bondage where their bodies, property and other possession were not their own.

At the time of writing this, my wife and I are facing a challenge to find housing that includes parking. Parking is a premium in this city and the rules around when and where you can park are stringent. Added to this difficulty is that no apartment is ready for move in but requires weeks for any repairs and clean up. So we find ourselves in a hotel trying every avenue to find a place before I start working.

Tonight in worship a few lyrics caught my attention. Loosely the words spoke of being silent, letting God go to battle and win the victory.

God's provision is made at the end of ourselves, when every action has come up short and the words fail to express our deepest need.

It's at the end of our strength when God opens our eyes like Hagar so we can say, "She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered (Genesis 16:13-14).