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” (Genesis 16:13, NIV1984).
Have there been times in your life when you wondered where God is? Does He see what’s happening? Does He hear my prayers? Or perhaps you’ve been waiting forever for an answer to your prayers and all you hear are the chirpings of crickets.
If so, take heart, because God is the God who sees.
In Genesis 16, there is an interesting story of a woman named Hagar who was being mistreated by Abram’s wife, Sarai. So Hagar fled to a spring in the desert and ended up having a conversation with the angel of the LORD. Theologians say that the phrase “angel of the LORD” in the OT is actually a theophany, an appearance of God in physical form or a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ .
Let’s pick up her story in Genesis 16:11–12.
The angel of the LORD also said to her: “You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”
Wow! What amazing, crazy, difficult news she just heard. But read verse 13 to see what Hagar does next.
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.”
God saw Hagar in her struggles. He sees you, no matter what you are going through. And He sees me.
He even sees our future. He saw Hagar’s future that she would have a son and how her son would turn out.
So in honor of this Sunday, which is known as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, I want to share a short portion of my testimony to encourage you today that God truly is a God who sees you and me.
It’s a powerful God story.
Click on the audio link at the beginning of this blog post to take a listen.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
I stand in awe that you truly are a God who sees me! Help me to embrace this truth every time doubt creeps in.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
EMBRACE TRUTH
I am seen!
DIG DEEPER
Jeremiah 12:3; Psalm 33:18; Ephesians 1:4
This Embrace Truth Podcast episode was inspired by my book Go in Peace and the Go in Peace Biblical Discipleship Curriculum.
Here is the link for the precious feet pin I mentioned in the episode.
The timing of your podcast was perfect. But God is always perfect. My ladies group we are studying two books of the Bible, John and Esther. Your message speaks directly about John in that Jesus sees us and knows us. And Esther for such a time as this. Walking faithfully in God and being obedient to His direction.
What a blessing! God is so good and knows exactly what we need to hear when we need to hear it. God bless.