God Protects & Blesses Ishmael (11AM)

Genesis 21:8-21 describes the sad and painful departure of Hagar and Ishmael from the lives of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac. Now that Isaac is growing up, Sarah feels very uncomfortable when she sees her son playing with the slave's son, and she asks and demands that Abraham throw them out, he is greatly displeased, but God tells him that Ishmael will be protected and blessed. So, Abraham obeys the Lord, and listens to his wife Sarah, and sends Ishmael and his mother Hagar into the desert of Beersheba with enough bread and water that will last some time. Mother and son trusted in the love and promises of their one and only mighty God, the same God of Abraham and his family. Sometimes we make hard decisions when we do not trust God, but He is not going to change his plans because of our lack of patience; His will and promises have to be fulfilled, whether we want it or not. God is a strong, jealous and sovereign God; He is asking us to be role models parents, and to educate our children in his ways, showing them His Love and His Compassion. Although the story of Ishmael and Hagar seems sad, it will have a happy ending, because God promised to take care of them and make of Ishmael a great Nation.