When you don’t see a way out

8we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;

– 2 Corinthians 4:8

19Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

– Genesis 21:19
(NASB® © 2020)

Abraham was supposed to listen to his wife and drive Hagar and her son Ishmael away. Since it was certainly unusual for him to let his wife have the final say in difficult decisions, God had to specifically encourage him in this case to heed his wife’s advice, as her suggestion aligned with God’s will: “For the son of this maid shall not be heir with my son, with Isaac!” (Genesis 21:10). Isaac—and not Ishmael—was to be the promised heir. Through Isaac, Abraham was to be granted a lineage (Genesis 21:12).

Abraham obeyed God and did what God had told him (Genesis 21:14). The manner in which he obeyed in this situation is noteworthy:

  • He obeyed immediately: He rose early in the morning to carry out God’s command. With determination and without delay, he wanted to promptly do what God had instructed him to do.
  • He obeyed without further explanation: Even though he did not understand what would happen to Hagar and Ishmael, he obeyed without further explanation from God and entrusted all unresolved questions to Him.
  • He obeyed against natural relationships: He was not guided by his natural affection in this matter but placed God’s demands above familial ties (cf. Leviticus 2:11; John 2:4).

Abraham eventually sent Hagar away, but not without providing her with provisions for herself and her son. This shows that he did not lack the necessary love and care. For the initial period, the two would be provided for until God intervened and fulfilled His promise (Genesis 21:13).

After some time, the water in the skin ran out, and Hagar didn’t know what to do next (Genesis 21:15). From a human perspective, she found herself in a hopeless situation. She saw no way out, even though God already knew it: The well of water had been there all along—Hagar just didn’t see it. Only when God opened her eyes could she see it (Genesis 21:19).

Paul also knew this experience. How often might he have found himself in seemingly hopeless situations—”perplexed” (2 Corinthians 4:8)—and yet he was never without a way out, for God would provide a way out with the trial (1 Corinthians 10:13). We, too, can trust in this: When we see no way out in a particular situation—God is never without a way out and will reveal it to us in His time. Sometimes, He must open our eyes for us to see it.

Because Abraham obeyed God and was willing to give up his son Ishmael, God was able to subject him to an even greater test of faith in Genesis 22. Abraham grew in faith and was ultimately even willing to give up his promised and beloved son, Isaac.

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Share this article:

You want to contact us? Ask a question or let us know what you think! 

Write a message here!

Leave a Comment

Abiding in Christ

This article is about abiding in Christ as both privilege and responsibility: only by living in dependence on His presence can believers bear “fruit” that reflects His character. It stresses that fruit isn’t produced by striving for it, but by focusing on Christ—“without Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:4–5

The Favor of the World

This article is about how the world’s praise can be shallow and fleeting. Using Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction to Daniel and the crowd’s reversal toward Paul, it warns that exaggerated favor can quickly turn into hostility without true inner change.
 Daniel 2,46

Which Believers Go Through the Great Tribulation?

This article is about whether today’s Christians will face the Great Tribulation. It argues the church will be raptured before end-time wrath, explains the rapture vs. Christ’s public appearing, and identifies the believers in Revelation’s tribulation as those who come to faith after the rapture.
Marriage & Family

Situationship

This article is about “situationships”: undefined, commitment-free relationships that blur friendship and romance. Using Leon and Emma as an example, it warns they create imbalance and hurt, and argues from a biblical view for clarity, responsibility, protection, purity, and commitment toward marriage.
Amos 3:3

The Hummingbird – a Masterpiece of God’s Creation

This article is about the hummingbird as a marvel of nature—exploring its unique hovering flight, specialized wing and muscle structure, extreme metabolism, nectar-feeding tongue design, and cooling methods, framed as evidence of divine creative power.
Romans 1:20

Scripture Alone?!

This article is about whether 2 Timothy 3:16–17 undermines “Scripture alone.” It argues the passage supports Scripture’s sufficiency, distinguishes apostolic teaching from later tradition, affirms NT authority, and says the church recognized—not created—the canon.
2 Timothy 3:16.17

Revelation—Not a Book with Seven Seals!

This article is about why the Bible’s book of Revelation isn’t a sealed mystery but an “unveiling” of future events centered on Jesus Christ. It explains key opening verses, symbolic language, the chain of revelation, and the blessing for reading, hearing, and keeping its message.
Revelation 1:1-3
Gospel

My Sin is Great

This article is about sincere confession: admitting our sin is great and seeking forgiveness for God’s name’s sake. It explains that faith trusts God’s mercy shown in Christ’s cross, producing honesty that doesn’t downplay guilt, and notes the Psalms’ purposeful order.
Psalm 25:11
Church/Assembly

All Present Before God

This article is about Acts 10:33 and Cornelius’s gathering as a model for Christian meetings: obedience to God’s leading, awareness of God’s presence, listening to the whole message without picking parts, and speaking only what God commands—nothing added or omitted.
Acts 10:33

Q&A What does it mean, that God has given us “of His Spirit”

This article is about the meaning of “from His Spirit” in 1 John 4:13, explaining it doesn’t mean believers receive only part of the Spirit. Instead, it highlights what proceeds from God’s Spirit—love, truth, holiness—becoming visible evidence that God abides in us.
1 John 3:24; 4:13

Our Great High Priest

This article is about Jesus as the superior High Priest in Hebrews: His once-for-all sacrifice for sin, His ongoing heavenly service with compassion and help for believers, and His continual intercession before God that brings grace, mercy, and confidence to draw near.
Hebrews 2:17–18; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24
Bible Study

The Old Man and The New Man

This article is about the New Testament concepts of the “old self” and “new self”: the old self judged and crucified with Christ, the new self created in His resurrection, and how believers should live out their new identity by putting off old traits and displaying Christlike ones.
Romans 6:6; Ephesians 2:15; 4:22.24; Colossians 3:9.10