Today’s scripture: Genesis 21:8-21 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Lynnette Pullen-Bradford):
As a parent, it is very difficult to watch my children make mistakes. I find myself wanting to force them to do what is in their best interest, but it just doesn’t work that way. I’m not talking little mistakes, like flunking a test or sporting an unflattering hairstyle. I mean life changing stuff, like dating the wrong person and intentionally choosing a rough road in life. I can see the hurt and pain in their path, and I give unsolicited (but really good) advice. Still, it’s ultimately their decision.
I have cried and prayed for them many a night, and, still, they have endured more trials than I care to count, many of them, of their own doing. However, I was comforted when I read Genesis 21:15-18. This comes after Ishmael publicly laughs at Isaac (his younger half-brother) during his celebration dinner. Ishmael and his mother are then cast out of the home and into the desert. We find them there, out of water, with the boy dying of thirst.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she cast the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot; for she said, “Do not let me look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him.”
Hagar cried for her child and Abraham worried (Gen 21:11), but it was not until Ishmael cried out to the Lord, with his own voice and in his own brokenness, that God answered. I also find it comforting that the angel said, “God has heard the voice of the boy, where he is.” Meaning, in his poor state, lost in the desert, dying of thirst, too dehydrated to produce tears, his vocal cords shriveled and his voice barely audible, God still heard him. Hallelujah!
Although I never want my children to suffer, I know, all too well, that suffering brings about change, growth and maturity. My grandmother said it like this: “Pain is a good teacher.”
Prayer for the day: God, we teach our children Your name and show them Your wonders. Although we train them up to follow You, sometimes they get off course, as we all do. Some of our children are in prisons, gangs, hospitals, abusive relationships, drug houses or other dangerous situations. Thank You for hearing them, when they call out to You, wherever they may find themselves. God, I ask that you comfort those parents sitting just a bowshot away, knowing that their children are hurting. Give them peace and guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.