Old Testament: Gen 16.11–12

To read the Bible in a year, read Genesis 15–17 on January 6, In the year of our Lord Christ 2023

By Don Ruhl 

Sarah and Hagar had problems, causing Hagar to flee. When she stopped by a spring of water, the Lord sent an angel to her, and after telling her to return to Sarah and Abraham, the Lord told Hagar: 

“Behold, you are with child,
And you shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the LORD has heard your affliction.
He shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man’s hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”

– Genesis 16.11–12 

The angel revealed that she would bear a son, but notice especially that the Lord told her that the Lord had heard her affliction. That means that she had cried out to the Lord, and then the Lord responded to her. 

Many people have afflictions, but they do not cry out to the Lord about it, especially if it has been awhile since they have prayed to Him. They feel guilty for doing so, but that is a perfect time to return to Him. 

Questions: 

• Do you cry out to the Lord about your afflictions? 
• What normally prompts you to pray? 

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