Hagar had been cast aside, even run out of the city. Destitute and out of water, she prepared herself and her son to die. To her amazement, this was God’s grandest stage.

The Amplified Bible paints a picture of God’s radiance in the midst of grey skies: “We [actually] saw His glory … For out of His fullness [abundance] we have all received one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.” [John 1:14, 16] This is 20/20 spiritual vision. But Hagar’s vision was impaired.

Nothing prepares our dulled senses for His glory like adversity. “Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water.” Genesis 21:19  The well had always been there, as God’s provision. She was blinded by pain and heartache — maybe she had not wanted to see it — til now!

While expecting our 4th child, my husband and I were filled with joy. Our youngest boy was 10 years old. Our desires for another child remained strong. Unfortunately, miscarriage followed. Returning from the hospital, my husband and three children longed to comfort me … but sadness was deep. As Hagar, I couldn’t see a well of water. My soul’s flask was empty.

It was in the midst of this despair that I heard Him speak the word “Hope.” When He did, all sadness and gloom dissipated. One word ~ one small word ~ exploded within my soul and opened my eyes to see the well of provision. He awakened me to a future filled with hope, and within twelve months, Bethany was born.

One thing Hagar did realize was: “You are the God who sees me. Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” She even named the place Beer-lahai-roi ~ “well of the Living One who sees me.”

Hope opens blind eyes to see that He sees us. The cloudy skies of our souls open to fresh water. We drink deeply and come to realize that His provision is greater than ours. Hagar’s meager flask of water in no way compared to God’s bountiful well of water.

Refresh yourselves in Him. He always provides, in His way, in His timing, and more than we could possibly need.