“But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”
Psalm 55:16-17
Without water, lost, and alone in the desert, Hagar sobbed as her son was about to die. The God Who Listens was not far off. He “heard the boy crying” (Genesis 21:17). In His love and mercy, He provided water and a promise for Hagar and young Ishmael.
A friend of mine with five children was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. At a point when she did not know if she would survive the disease, another friend commented to her that if she herself were ill and her future uncertain, her greatest fear would be that no one would pray for her children the way a mother would.
The faithful, confident reply from my sick friend was life-changing for me. She said, “I know my prayers are constantly rising up in sweet incense before the Lord. My prayers will continue to rise, He will continue to hear, and He will continue to act on my requests whether I am here or in heaven.” These words come out of faith in the God who always listens. Whatever your struggle, whatever your desert wandering, He is nearby, and He cares for you!
A friend of mine with five children was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. At a point when she did not know if she would survive the disease, another friend commented to her that if she herself were ill and her future uncertain, her greatest fear would be that no one would pray for her children the way a mother would.
The faithful, confident reply from my sick friend was life-changing for me. She said, “I know my prayers are constantly rising up in sweet incense before the Lord. My prayers will continue to rise, He will continue to hear, and He will continue to act on my requests whether I am here or in heaven.” These words come out of faith in the God who always listens. Whatever your struggle, whatever your desert wandering, He is nearby, and He cares for you!
Scripture Focus
Genesis 21:14-20
Insight
Your prayers are always heard! “They were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8b).
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 14-15
- Psalm 7
- Matthew 12
