Hagar’s renaissance

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.”

For Encouragement

Put yourself in the position of Hagar for a minute. Abraham hauled her from her native land and into a foreign land. She loved the family she served, so when they asked for a favor, she obliged. Now carrying the treasure they sought after—a baby cradled in her womb, Hagar’s joy upset Sarah, who maltreated her. Unable to bear it anymore, Hagar ran away, not knowing where to go or what to do. Could she reach Egypt before passing out from exhaustion? She was hungry and thirsty, and her tears became too hot to bear.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation as dire as Hagar’s? Your circumstances may differ, but the feelings of despair and hopelessness are universal. Countless individuals are enduring similar or even more severe hardships. Amid such suffering, it is natural to wonder, ‘Who will rescue me? Where will my help come from?’ But take heart, for Jesus, who sees and knows your every struggle, is with you.

The Angel of the Lord finds Hagar by a spring in the desert on the road to Shur and calls out to her.

“Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

“I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she answered.

Amazing!

There is no God like Yahweh, who knows each of His creations intimately, even the stars by name (Psalm 147:4). Like you, He sees Hagar not as a nameless servant but as a unique individual with her own story, struggles, and sorrows. The angel of the Lord didn’t ask to gain knowledge He didn’t already possess. He asked to deepen Hagar’s personal understanding of Him and His profound care for her.

Hagar’s response was honest. She was running from her terror and horror—her mistress, Sarah (8).

The question is, how do you handle your problems and fears? Do you run away or face them? What are they—marital problems, family situations, a difficult life decision, a tough assignment, a project, a time-consuming ministry project, or a step of faith? What are you running from?

God redirected Hagar to return and submit to her challenging situation, for He was in control of her situation (9-13). God blessed Hagar with so many descendants, too numerous to count (10). He gave a name to Hagar’s unborn baby and described his character and future.

Overwhelmed by God’s goodness, Hagar acknowledged Yahweh, the God who sees her suffering. Her testimony now became:

“I have seen the God who sees me.”

Is that your testimony, my friend? God sees you, and Psalm 139 settles the matter.

When you finally grasp that God sees you, everything changes. The games of hiding and the doubts of His presence fade away. The urge to run from your problems diminishes, and in its place, confidence and trust in His plan grow. This story shows the transformative power of God’s sight, as revealed in Hagar’s story.

Hagar returned to Abraham’s household, overflowing with joy and bearing the promise of God. Are you holding on to the promise of God, and are you joyful in it?

Pray with Me

I am so glad that, God, you see me wherever I am and in every circumstance. That gives me the confidence to trust you through the storms of life and to rejoice, even in them, knowing you have a pathway of victory cleared for your Spirit to lead me in Christ Jesus, my glorious Lord and Savior. Amen!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com