Blended Families: Biblical Application and EncouragementSample

A Better Provider

“So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. And the water in the skin was used up, and she placed the boy under one of the shrubs. Then she went and sat down across from him at a distance of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, ‘Let me not see the death of the boy.’ So she sat opposite him, and lifted her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, ‘What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.’ Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink.” — Genesis 21:14–19 (NKJV)

Yesterday’s devotional was particularly focused on knowing that God can and will protect our children even in our absence. Today, there’s something so glorious about the remainder of this Bible narrative. It starts out tragic and ends in triumph as we see God make provision for Hagar and Ishmael.

That’s right. Not only is God a protector but he’s also a provider. There are times, be it in a blended-family situation, traditional-family situation, or maybe even a single-parent situation, when we have to simply trust God for our provisions. In this particular case, Hagar is now in a single-mom scenario in the wilderness. Abraham was only able to give a limited quantity of food and water to her and the child for their journey. Eventually, those provisions ran out, and Hagar was in despair as she listened to her child cry. She was at the point of giving up when miraculously the Lord stepped in. This is a good place to pause, ponder and praise God for how He has stepped in for you and your family to provide for you when resources seemed to be running dry. Isn’t He a wonderful God?

The narrative ends with God opening Hagar‘s eyes to see that there are resources available. When she lifts up her head and opens her eyes, she sees a well of water! Could God be telling you to simply lift up your head and open your eyes today? Have you been holding your head down because it seems as though provisions (perhaps from court-ordered child support) are low while the cost of living is so high?

God tells us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness and everything else will be provided for us (Matthew 6:33). So, let me encourage you today. Lift up your head and look to Him, as our mighty God is a better provider!

Pause: Read Genesis 21:14-19 and Matthew 6:25–33. Rejoice over the fact that God is the better provider.

Practice: Don't allow yourself to be gripped by anxiety or fear of not having enough of what you need.

Pray: Ask God daily to make provision for you and your family. “Lord give us this day our daily bread.”