"WHAT AILETH THEE, HAGAR?" Genesis 21:17 I. Introduction. A. All people in all ages have(had) problems. B. Circumstances of life bring them. C. Such difficulties arise by our own fault and/or circumstances beyond our control. D. Nevertheless, they are cumbersome. E. Read and comment on Genesis 21:17. 1. Who was this Hagar? a. Egyptian: name means "flight or to flee." b. Have you ever wanted to run away or been sent away? 2. The conditions in Abraham's household. 3. Abraham had been told: Genesis 21:12-13. 4. Yet--Hagar is in a desperate situation at the moment. II. Body. A. The question: "What aileth thee?" (Genesis 21:17) 1. Consider her situation: Genesis 21:14-16. a. Resolved to death of Ishmael. b. An earlier promise: Genesis 16:10-12. (1 Fled from Sarai--of own choosing. (2 Jehovah instructed: Genesis 16:9. 2. Hagar was separated from security of Abraham's household: Genesis 21:14. a. Instigated by Sarai: v. 10. b. Jehovah allowed it: v. 12-13. c. Ishmael was taught: v. 9. d. Strange places and situations can make people sick. e. One of needs of humanity is security. f. The future looked bleak to Hagar. g. Jesus died to give us hope for the future. h. Christians learn to endure--circumstances do improve-- in many cases. 3. Hagar was destitute: no water: v. 15. a. Had "wandered" in the wilderness. b. Placed Ishmael under bush(in shade). c. An "outcast" has few resources. d. Remember what happened to the "prodigal"(his fault). (1 Had left security of household. (2 Found himself in want. e. Some have to reach such "destitution" to realize need of Jehovah's help. f. No person can please God until realize their own destitution. 4. Hagar had a sense of being helpless and without hope(v. 16). a. Have you been there? b. Only death seemed to be fate. c. With life--hope; with determination--power; with perseverance--victory. d. When one is hopelessly in sin: Romans 5:6. B. Words of comfort in the midst of despair: Genesis 21:17. 1. A promise for the future: v. 18. a. The wilderness would still be there--but now she had motivation to face the wilderness. b. Temptations, sorrows, troubles, etc. face us--but learn to look beyond these temporary barriers. c. The wilderness became a challenge and an answer; our troubles become a challenge to reach the future. 2. Satisfying the need: v. 19a. a. The well was near--she had not seen it. b. Some can be so close--but fail to take the last(needed) step. c. Song: "Open Mine Eyes..." 3. Accepted the provisions: v. 19b. a. Some who are in need refuse the offerings. b. Must be motivated to change circumstances. c. May not be able to create an answer--but can accept a solution. d. Paul said: Philippians 4:13. 4. The result: 19c. a. Willingness to do her part saved Hagar and Ishmael. b. The future for them: v. 20-21. c. You know the rest: the nations that came from Ishmael. III. Conclusion. A. When one trusts in Jehovah, there is a way to deal with problems. B. The way may be unpleasant--the future bleak--but there is hope in Christ: II Timothy 4:15-18.-jy