Thursday-March 19-Genesis 21

 Hagar was a single parent, and she almost gave in to despair. Perhaps you are in that situation also, or you may know of someone who is.

Hagar was Sarah’s handmaiden (or personal attendant), and after Sarah mistakenly tried to fulfill God’s promise of a son by giving Hagar to her husband, Abraham, Hagar became the mother of Ishmael. Forced to flee into the desert with her son, Hagar ran out of water and felt the end had come. But God had not abandoned her, and we read that He helped her see a well of water He had provided. It had been there all along, but Hagar only saw it with God’s help.

Being a single parent is very difficult. But God knows your situation just as He knew Hagar’s, and perhaps He wants to show you a well He has already prepared—something or someone to refresh and help you.

Don’t give in to despair or self-pity, but look to Jesus Christ every day for the hope and strength you need. He loves you and your children, and He will not abandon you.