“Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy.”        Genesis 21:14 NIV

These were the results of the conflict and they were devastating. There were the broken hearts, the separation, and divorce. The conflict was deeply imbedded within Ishmael’s heart, apparently so imbedded that he would never change. God knew this, so the only way the conflict could ever be resolved was for Ishmael and Hagar, his mother, to be sent away. Picture the scene as Abraham arose early in the morning, taking bread and water to Hagar. There was bound to be tenderness, warmth, love, and brokenness as Abraham set the two leather straps over the shoulders of Hagar and Ishmael and sent them away. The piercing pain and hurt must have been almost unbearable. The results of conflict are often devastating. Many have had their hearts broken because of conflict, conflict that led to separation, divorce, the loss of a loved one. Scripture does not say where Hagar was heading, but she was probably traveling back home to Egypt. For some reason, she lost her way. She was at a loss, not knowing where to go or what to do next, all because of the conflict. Hagar’s experience pictures the experience of so many who are wandering about in the world, lost, not knowing where to go or what to do next—all because of some conflict. The loneliness and desperation of the situation are often almost unbearable. Yet all is not lost for the Lord never abandons us!

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, amid our lostness and loneliness You are there.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, with the results of conflict that leads to loss, separation, divorce and loneliness, You never abandon us. Thank You. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Deuteronomy 15:12-18

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