Genesis 21:19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. In this hidden well, which Ishmael's prayer uncovered, lies many a true lesson, if only we have the right sort of pitcher to dip and draw. I. How CAME THE WELL TO BE THERE, JUST WHERE AND WHEN IT WAS WANTED? The Arab shepherds who dug it never meant it for wandering travellers, but for their own flocks. God guided the steps of Hagar to it. Life is full of hidden wells — stored-up blessings, ready at the right moment to supply the answer to prayer. God foresees our prayers as well as our necessities. II. OUR ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRAY IS NOT OUR OWN GOODNESS, BUT GOD'S. We plead not the name of Abraham, or of any earthly parent or friend, but the name of Jesus, God's own dear Son. III. Learn from this story NOT TO THINK LITTLE THINGS OF NO IMPORTANCE, and not to be afraid to pray to God about little things as well as great. There are two reasons which prove that God does not disdain to attend little things:(1) He has made many more little things than great, and has made the greatest things to depend on the least; (2) God is so great, that the difference between what we call great and little is to Him as nothing; and He is so wise, that nothing — not a thought or atom — is small enough to escape His eye. IV. Prayer itself is a hidden well; a secret source of strength,and joy, and wisdom, not only in times of trouble, but always. (E. R. Conder, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. |
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