“And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.” (Genesis 21:19)

The background for this verse is found in Genesis 13; 16; and 21:9-11 – the story of Hagar and Ishmael. The story is a picture of Conversion.

As we look at the steps found here, notice each one is active on God’s part – the person is simply the recipient of the action taken by God. Receiving is always passive (see 1 Corinthians 4:7).

God Heard

God Heard the cry of the needy (Genesis 21:17a); Hagar was quickened (Genesis 16:13).

God Called

God Called; this proved Hagar had been given ears to hear (Genesis 21:17b)

God Commanded

God Commanded Hagar, “Fear not” (Genesis 21:17c) and “Arise” (Genesis 21:18); this proved Hagar had faith to respond. (This was the same with Abraham; see Hebrews 11:8.)

God Opened

God Opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water (Genesis 21:19); which types out Conversion (see John 4:1-41; 9:25; Acts 9:1-7); “many more believed” (John 4:41); many conversions.

God Supplied

God Supplied the water (Genesis 21:19); then in verse 20, “And God was with the lad.”

What happens when God opens your spiritual eyes? You are given discernment. (See 1 Corinthians 2:9-16.)

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” (1 Corinthians 2:15)

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

When God opens your eyes – when He gives you spiritual discernment – then, and then only:

1) You see Christ as The Savior. You see Who He is: The Living Water (John 4:1-41; 9:25; Acts 9:1-17); the Way, the Truth, the Life (John 14:6). You now see He is The Bread, your Sustenance (John 6:25-69); Matthew 4:4; the Word of God. You see He is The Light (John 8:12; Psalms 119:105).

2) You also see Christ is The Shepherd: the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-31); the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20-21); the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

3) You see Christ is The Strength (Philippians 4:13)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

4) You see He is The Supply (Philippians 4:19)

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

5) And you see He is The Sovereign (Philippians 2:13; Exodus 3:13-14)

“And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?” (Exodus 3:13)

“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” (Exodus 3:14)

You not only see Christ as all these things, but you now know Him as The Savior. And you also know He is your Personal Savior. You know He is your Shepherd; your Strength; your Supply; your Sovereign God. You now have been revealed that He is the One and Only True Living God.