God Is Blessing Both of Us: From Eviction to Divine Provision

 

God Is Blessing Both of Us: From Eviction to Divine Provision (Genesis 21:13)

"I will bless the son of the slave woman and make him a great nation also, because he is your offspring."  Genesis 21:13 KSB

                            Abraham Sent Hagar And Ishmael Away

 Blessings, especially the kind that come after hardship. This message continues from yesterday’s teaching, but now we return to Genesis. While Paul later uses this story allegorically in Galatians, we're looking at the original account of when Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away. Think of those celebrity shows that ask, “Where are they now?” That’s what we could ask about Hagar and Ishmael after Abraham’s painful decision. He didn’t want to send them away; he loved Ishmael just as he loved Isaac. He cared for Hagar because she was Ishmael’s mother. But Sarah, who once suggested that Abraham take Hagar, later demanded her departure. Be cautious with people’s suggestions; they may later reverse course.

   Abraham honored Sarah’s wishes out of love, and Hagar and Ishmael were sent out with nothing more than a skin of water. It felt like rejection. But even when people disregard you, remember this: God has not disregarded you. The eviction seemed like a problem. Hagar and Ishmael were alone in the wilderness. Where would they go? What would they drink? But God used this moment. Abraham needed to release them so he could truly become the father of many nations. Hagar needed the eviction to encounter God personally. Ishmael needed to experience divine provision for himself. And sometimes, so do we.

   Sometimes the eviction is necessary so you can discover God’s power. The job loss pushes you to start your own business. The heartbreak drives you deeper into prayer. The closed door leads you to your real purpose. What feels like rejection is often redirection. God is positioning you for provision and promise. When the water Abraham gave ran out, God revealed a well. Abraham gave a resource; God gave a source. People may offer you a limited blessing, but God gives you something that never runs dry. People are conduits, vessels and vehicles but God is the source. When human provision ends, divine supply begins. That’s when Hagar met Jehovah Jireh. God who sees and provides.

   Not only was there provision, but there was also a promise. God promised to make Ishmael a great nation. Abraham’s fatherhood of many nations was fulfilled through both Isaac and Ishmael. From Isaac came the Jews, from Ishmael the Muslims, and through both lines, Abraham became the father of faith recognized by three major religions. Christianity branches from Judaism, and together we inherit Abraham’s promise.

   Let me remind you: there’s a blessing for all of us. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. The same faith legacy belongs to you. Just because life gets hard doesn't mean God's hand has lifted. In fact, He may be setting you up for the well, the provision, and the promise.

   Three Key Takeaways from Genesis 21:13:

• The “Seeming” Problem: Eviction
• The Provision: The Well
• The Promise: A Great Nation

   So, I’ll ask you—when was the last time you gave or received a gift *just because*? Sometimes God’s greatest gifts come during our greatest difficulties.

📖 Reflection: When have you experienced God’s blessing in what seemed like rejection or loss?

💡 Action Step: Identify a current “problem” in your life and ask God to reveal the potential, provision, and promise within it.