Receive (20 mins):
Open your time in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
Listen to this devotion on Psalm 20 (The reading is included. Follow along in your Bible.)
Spend some time in personal reflection and prayer. (5 mins)
Share with the group what God has been speaking to you. Is there a challenge for you? Have you been impressed with a particular characteristic of God? (10 mins).
Pray together, responding to what God has been showing you in this Psalm. (5 mins)
Read (20 mins):
Read Genesis 21:1-21
This passage begins with an incredible high: the miraculous fulfilment of God’s promise that a son would be born to Abraham and Sarah. But the sins of Abram and Sarai bear bitter fruit. The son, born out of disobedience and unfaithfulness, is sent away. They had lived together, both sons, for at least a couple of years and perhaps Abraham thought that they would be able to continue. However, in a story that echoes Genesis 16, the sinful response of the unchosen Ishmael (previously Hagar) becomes an occasion for Sarah to push them away. Hagar and Ishmael face certain death in the desert.
By this time, Hagar has lived amongst the God’s chosen family for many years. She has seen and been seen by God and received His promises (directly) for her son (see Gen 16).
Do you think Hagar is a worshipper of Yahweh? What do you see in this passage that leads to your conclusion?
Hagar cries, but does not cry out to God. Hagar looks, but does not see the water.
In what ways do you sometimes cry without crying out to God? How do you sometimes look without seeing God’s provision?
It may seem that God’s instruction to Abraham (vv 11-13) are callous.
How does having faith in God change your perspective on God’s instructions here?
How is God challenging you to view challenging/confusing situations of your life through the eyes of faith?
Respond (20 mins):
Spend a few minutes in personal reflection. What is the Holy Spirit impressing on your heart? (3 mins)
Take time to share how the Holy Spirit is challenging you. How can you be accountable to each other? Consider keeping a record for the purposes of prayer and accountability. (12 mins)
Pray for each other. (5 mins)