Overwhelmed.
Desperate.
Sick and tired of being sick and tired.
I know I’ve been there. I bet you have too.
In Genesis 16, Hagar had felt it all. A slave to a woman who didn’t seem able to make up her mind. Forced into a relationship and pregnancy she didn’t request.
No one asked Hagar her opinion. Did she want to marry Abraham? Did she want to bear a child and then hand him over to her master? Did she want to see another woman raise her child, be given orders on how to care for her very own child, a child she was forced to bear?
Is it any wonder that Hagar ran to the desert, that dry, barren place, for a dry, barren soul?
She was a woman, in a time when women knew no appreciation for their own thoughts.
She was a slave, in a time when she would never anticipate knowing independence.
She was accustomed to remaining unseen.
Accustomed to being overlooked.
Accustomed to trying to stay in the shadows, not drawing attention.
Yet Someone did see her. Someone, unbeknownst to her, did love her. And, Someone, remembered her.
And like a knight in shining armor, He came riding in to save her. He sent an angel. An angel! One of His heavenly servants, to console, instruct, and to water this dry, barren soul. He sent her reassurance. She did not go unnoticed. And yes, she did indeed know freedom from spiritual slavery.
God saw her.
And that made all the difference.
That one realization gave her the confidence, the gumption, and the desire, to go back to the life she knew. But she would return, knowing God knew, and He saw, and He had her.
What are you facing today? Are you feeling forgotten, hidden, or unloved? Are you feeling you too, want to run away?
God sees you. He knows you and the circumstances you are in. And, He loves you. He wants to offer comfort, instruction, and peace.
Sometimes we are still called to return to hard things. That feels so unfair! I know, I’ve been there. But I have learned that we can rely on Him to provide what we need to get through the trials. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. He doesn’t forget or fail at His promises.
Rahab learned that God was there, He saw and He acted, equipping her with everything she needed, to do what she was called to do. He does the same today. Just ask, He’s waiting to show you He is indeed the God who sees.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that You see me. You know. You care. You are waiting for me to come to You. Even when I’m sick and tired, You give me hope. Remind me to approach You expectantly. You might not always change my situation but You can change my stamina and my attitude. You are the giver of hope. Thank You that You are the God who sees. In Jesus’ name, Amen.