Genesis 21:15-16 - Open Your Eyes To His Promise
Step 1: Pray. Select.
As I sat down to spend time with God today, I was called back to a few scriptures I had heard referenced over the weekend. I read through my notes and came across the story of Hagar being sent away with her son Ishmael in Genesis 21:15-16. There was a gentle message of hope that I so desperately needed today, so I decided to start my journey there, friends.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
Genesis 21:15-16 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she began to sob.
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.
Jennifer, the water was gone, she thought; she began to sob.
If you are doing this alongside me today, add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.
Step 4: Visualize
As I meditate on my sentence derived from the scripture the Holy Spirit has gifted me today, I picture Hagar sitting down in that moment in complete despair. She is sent into the desert to die along with her son. She literally cannot bear to watch her son die from her lack of resources and no hope around or in sight. She is abandoned and alone, along with her offspring.
I imagine she must be thinking, How did I get into this mess? I birthed a son I may not have even wanted to get pregnant, but out of trying to please people, now I have birthed my son only to watch him die. I have nothing left but to lie down and face my grief over what is about to happen. I have sinned by lying with a married man, but only because of the command of his wife, who used me, spit me out, and is now throwing me away. I believe Hagar is in a state of despair when she can't even pray. She is succumbing to her fate. She's given up, so she sobs.
And just then, she hears an angel inform her of the promise from God to Abraham. The Holy Spirit is telling me that God always fulfills His promises. She was obedient, and God had a plan for her. In life, sometimes it feels like our situation is hopeless, or we're wandering aimlessly in the desert or barren land, but in the background, God is sending a blessing to meet you in your moment of despair. It may have looked like the physical skins that held her water supply may have dried up, but God picked her head up, opened her eyes, and kept her looking towards His promise and not lie down and die. The Holy Spirit tells me when we can't see a way, to ask God to open my eyes so He can show me a way. The truth is that I may not be able to see this for myself unless He intervenes.
I have a question for the Holy Spirit, so I move to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The requests/questions that came to mind are:
Holy Spirit, what is blocking me in this moment from seeing your way forward?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
“Your thoughts. You are looking by your own might, and this will not come by your power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts. The path you're on must come through me. If you try to understand in the natural, you will lead by the flesh and its desires. What I am going to do will spring up suddenly. You must get out of the way, and trust your well is just a stone's throw away. I have been telling you over and over, everywhere you go, and through the voices of many, not to give up. So believe me when I tell you I have a plan to prosper you. Do not be afraid. I, the Lord, your God, am with you. Pay attention. Your suddenly is on the way.”
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you through your Son, Jesus.
Open my eyes to see what you have for me, so I do not just lie down and die.
Please tell me of your promises and your visions for my life. I am scared and need to let faith lead me instead of fear. I know you are a good Father. You are who you say you are, so please, I need your direction and clarification to stay on the path of the straight and narrow and not veer from your plans over my life.
Help me, Father.
In Jesus Christ's holy name, I pray. Amen.
If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we would love to hear how God works in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.
Conclusion:
Friends, let’s make sure that in times of desperation or despair, we don't throw in the towel, but rather lean into God to open our eyes to His plans.
Help us keep our eyes on him instead of our fear or worry.
Trust that he has a plan and will deliver on his promises.
Finally, don’t give up! Your ‘suddenly’ is going to spring up, providing for amazing testimony just a stone’s throw away.
God bless you! See you soon.
