Genesis 21:17 NIV
God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

This is one of those stories that just doesn’t seem right. Hagar is a victim from every angle. Her treatment at the hands of Abraham and Sarah is probably why she isn’t crying out to God as she and Ishmael are dying – she probably doesn’t want to have anything to do with them, including their God.

But God answered anyway. With a life-saving miracle, no less. And He kept His promise to her and her son, even though they have shown no faith in God (Genesis 21:15-21).

Just like He kept His promise to Abraham and Sarah, even though they lied, doubted and sinned while trying to ‘help’ God keep His promise (Genesis 16:1-4, 21:1-2).

So what do we do with this story? What is going on here?

First of all, God keeps His promises. In spite of us. No matter who we are, or how we are behaving. Or even whether we turn to Him or not. God had decided He was going to start the Israelite nation here, so He did.

So where do I see this in my life? I know that God has promised my daughters a hope and a future. I know that He will keep that promise, in spite of how I or they might fail, and in spite of how I or they might behave.

God hasn’t promised that this will look like I want it to, or that there won’t be consequences for sin, but He has promised it. I can talk to Him about it, leave it with Him, and breathe. And giggle while we play a silly card game.

What do you think about this story? Which of God’s promises do you struggle to believe? How has God kept His promise to you?