The angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said...”Do not be afraid!” (Genesis 21:17)

Hagar’s life had fallen apart. For many years, she had been a maid-servant in Abraham and Sarah’s household. What’s more, she was chosen to be the mother of Abraham’s son, Ishmael. However, when tensions developed between Hagar and Sarah, Hagar was sent out with her young son into the wilderness. In despair, she lifted up her voice and wept. Her crying did not go unnoticed;God saw and heard and sent an angel to help.

In this imperfect world filled with sin, calamities still come. But the loving God who rescued Hagar and Ishmael is alive and well and cares about each one of us. We are “children of God” through Jesus Christ. As God’s children, we are never without hope. We can lift up our voices to God in prayer. We can ask friends and loved ones to join us. And we can trust Christ’s promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

God of mercy, when life seems to fall apart, help us to look to You and to discern where You are leading us!