Genesis 16:13

New International Version

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Your Encouragement

She was a slave girl who became a victim of her old mistress’ desperate maneuver for a child. While Hagar enjoyed the ride and became arrogant and rude when she became pregnant, she had not asked for the favor (Gen. 16:1-4).

Sarah blamed Abraham for how Hagar provoked her, and Abraham responded by giving Hagar to Sarah to do whatever she thought was best for the situation (6). It is never our fault but the other person’s. Hagar ran away with her protruding belly, carrying the baby of old Abraham (5-6), but where could Hagar take refuge in the wilderness of a foreign land? How could she trust anybody again?

Hagar suffered in similar ways many housemaids do at the hands of their masters and mistresses. Many spouses rape and use these girls as sex objects to satisfy their uncontrolled sensual cravings. Others maltreat these girls. They have their dignity and self-worth violated in excruciating silence.

You may be in a similar situation now, your lowest moment in life. You are anxious and need a helping hand. In which direction do you go? To whom do you turn? Are you condemned to continue wandering in the wilderness, feeling abandoned?

Lonesome, but for God, who sees our suffering and feels our desperate need for help! He met Hagar near a spring in the desert (7). Hagar had come under the covenant God made with Abraham, and she should raise the baby she was carrying n his home.

Hagar did not argue. The attention of God to her plight overwhelmed her. How could God know her name, where she was, her pain and tears, and that He cared for her future (9-12)? So, Hagar gave this name, El Roi – The One who sees me (13).

In your darkest moments, God sees you. He sees you wherever you are and in whatever condition you may be. Trust Him to meet you at the point of your need at His appointed time. Amen!

Shalom, and good morning.