Healing at the Well: Finding God’s Promises in Our Pain

Bible Passage: Genesis 16

Context:

Summary: In Genesis 16, we witness Sarai and Abram's struggle with God's promise of offspring, leading them to take matters into their own hands by using Hagar, which results in pain and conflict. This narrative reveals the challenges of pursuing God's promises outside of His ordained plan, yet amidst the turmoil, we discover God's provision and presence at the well in the wilderness.

Application: This passage serves as a reminder that seeking God's promises without waiting for His timing and direction can lead to deep pain, both personally and relationally. It encourages believers to bring their struggles and frustrations to God, finding healing and restoration in His presence even when they stray from His path.

Teaching: This sermon can teach that while human efforts to fulfill God's promises may lead to complications and suffering, God is always available to provide healing and assurance. It emphasizes the need to turn to God when facing the consequences of our decisions and to trust in His redemptive plan.

How this passage could point to Christ: In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, as He embodies the perfect plan and provision of God. Just as Hagar encounters God at the well and receives the assurance of His care, we find in Christ our true source of hope and healing in our own wanderings and pain.

Big Idea: When we pursue God’s promises apart from His plan, we often encounter pain; however, God offers healing and hope at the well of His presence, provision, and providence.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural context of ancient Near Eastern practices concerning family and offspring, which may illuminate Sarai's decision. You can also delve into the theological implications of God's covenant with Abram and the concept of divine providence found in Genesis. Use your Logos library to examine commentaries on Genesis 16 to understand different interpretations and applications, particularly focusing on themes of pain and redemption.

1. Pursuing Precipitous Promises

Genesis 16:1–6 (ESV)

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.

Maybe you could start by highlighting the impatience of Sarai and Abram in their attempts to fulfill God's promise in their own way, which leads to conflict and distress. This could serve as a poignant reminder to your listeners about the dangers of seeking God's promises outside His plan. Emphasize the relational pain and division caused by human efforts, setting the stage for understanding our need to trust God’s timing.

2. Provision at the Well

Genesis 16:7-12

You could introduce this section by focusing on the encounter between Hagar and the angel of the Lord, showing God’s presence in her distress. Perhaps stress how God meets us at our wells of pain, providing comfort and assurance even when we've wandered. Highlight the personal nature of God’s interaction with Hagar, suggesting to your audience that God sees and cares for them intimately, promising provision and a plan.

God Swears an Oath to Hagar in the Wilderness of BeershebaOath

Ge 21:18 records an oath God swore to Hagar. The oath took place in the wilderness of Beersheba. The reason was providence. Related • Ishmael • a well

3. Providence in the Promise

Genesis 16:13-16

Perhaps you might conclude by noting Hagar's response to God, as she acknowledges His presence and names Him “the God who sees me.” Emphasize how recognizing God’s providence leads to a renewed sense of purpose and peace. Encourage your audience to experience God’s healing by acknowledging His watchful care and ongoing promises, which culminate in the provision of Christ as our ultimate assurance and hope.