Genesis 16:1–13 ‘You are the God who sees me…’ (v13)
Have you ever felt ‘not seen’? Hagar must have felt that, when she ran away into the wilderness, away from her mistress, Sarai (later Sarah).
While attempting to work God’s plan out themselves, Abram and his wife had come up with a plan: Abram would have his much-wanted child by the slave Hagar, circumventing God’s agenda.
Actually, it was Sarai’s idea. But Abram seemed quite willing! Hagar became pregnant, and this caused tension between the women. So Hagar ran away. While she was in the desert, God found her; then he told her to go back and submit to Sarai.
That must have been very hard for this girl. Yet, she obeyed. She realised she had been seen by God (v13); He knew her. And now she knew Him.
If we feel unseen by people, or even by God, we need to remember that He knows us and loves us. Yes, we are known to Him. He sees
our secret fears, He knows when we cry and what we cry about.
If we really believed we were that precious to God, would we ever doubt Him again? It’s interesting that God told Hagar to return to Sarai. He asked her to go back to the difficult situation, and I wonder if things changed for her. Who knows?
But she had her son, and did not die there in the desert. God doesn’t always ask us to do things which are easy, but He does know the best way for us to take.
If we believe He is good, and that He cares for us, then we need to listen and obey. What are you telling me to do, Lord? What is Your will in this situation? It’s a matter of trust.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Father, I believe that You see me, just as You saw Hagar. But sometimes I feel in a wilderness of my own doubt. Lord, please help me to know You more intimately. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Do you feel God ‘sees’ you? Why/why not? Ask Him to make Himself more real to you today.
Scripture To Consider:
Gen. 21:1–21; 1 Kgs 19:1–18; Matt. 10:28–31; 1 Pet. 5:6–8
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