I heard a sermon that included Hagar over the weekend. I am always captivated by her story from Genesis 16, no matter how many times I hear it or study it, I find something new.
Genesis 16 tells the painful story of infertility. And, the consequences of human impatience and interference when God does not seem to be keeping His promises fast enough.
The Egyptian slave girl, Hagar, served Abram's wife, Sarai. God had already promised Abram that his descendants would number the stars, but they grew impatient. Abram was 86 years old. Sarai appeared too old for children (Isaac would come later) and they took the situation out of God's hands and into their own.
That part of the lesson in this story is very convicting for me. How many times do we try to "help" God? Newsflash: He's got this. He doesn't need our "help." In fact, our help can get in the way and cause other undesirable outcomes.
The scriptures say Hagar flaunted her pregnancy before Sarai, so I will not call her innocent. Sarai was unkind to Hagar. Sarai is not without blame, either. I have read that the custom of a servant bearing a child was not uncommon, but just because it was culturally acceptable does not mean it was a good idea or God's idea.
Everyone suffered because of human interference with God's plan. Free will - a gift and a curse - is still a part of every life story.
Back to Hagar...
Hagar eventually ran away. She found herself at a well. She was pregnant, powerless and feeling defeated. She knew about the God of Abram (Abraham) . Hagar knew of His power and His ways, but on that day, she really met Him.
God showed her that He knew who she was and about her situation. She was stunned and called Him, Beer Lahai Roi, "The God who sees me". What an amazing feeling to be known and seen. Amazing and a bit intimidating, too.
"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
Whatever trial you are suffering through, there is a God who sees you. You are never alone. You do not have to feel defeated. Whatever we are going through is known to Him.
Today, I am grateful for "The God Who Sees Me".
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