The Vote
In September of my senior year in high school, I wrote “no” on the slip of paper, folded it up, and handed it to Mrs. Byerly, my cheerleader sponsor. She had asked us to vote on whether or not we wanted to compete in the upcoming season.
The prior year was our first year to participate in the series of competitions. The grueling practices were numerous. It was stressful, and it took much time from our social calendars (heaven forbid).
The Emotions
Tears pricked my eyes as she read the answers from the folded pieces of paper and tallied the votes. We were going.
Emotions flooded in heaving sobs as I ran to my car and shut the door. Not able to pull myself together, I backed out of my parking spot and onto the busy street, pulling up to the first stoplight. Between my tears and the pouring rain, I couldn’t see out my windshield. Suddenly, an inaudible voice spoke to my heart, “Settle down. You’re not going.”
The Comfort
Thinking I was talking to myself, I argued, “What do you mean we are not going? We voted. We are going!”
Again, the words came to my heart, “Settle down. You’re not going.” Then, peace, like I had never experienced, flowed over me.
Well, I didn’t participate in that season’s competition. Three weeks later, I found out I was pregnant and shortly resigned from the squad.
God Heard
Hagar experienced the same distress. Abram and Sarai cast her out from her home, and she found herself wandering in the desert for many days without water. She left her son, Ishmael, under a bush as she sat a distance away and wept. She couldn’t bear the thought of watching him die.
But then the Bible says, God heard the boy crying (vs.17a). Not only did God hear, He did something about it. Encouragement, command, and provision followed. God reminded Hagar of His promise to make her son into a great nation and then supplied them with water.
God Hears Even Me
I didn’t know the Lord. I was neck deep in sin, and yet the God of the universe heard my cry, came to my rescue, and gave me peace and reassurance.
Lord, even in our sin, You love us. You hear when we cry, provide comfort, and give us what we need. Thank you for Your faithfulness.