Seen By God

As I read the story of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well this week, I was reminded that this wasn’t the only time in Scripture that we hear about God revealing himself to a woman who was an outcast. Hagar was also alone, and having been mistreated by her mistress, Sarah, she fled.

There she was, pregnant and facing adversity, but God was also there. He was there with her and saw her in her time of need. He promised her that he would not only be with her, but also with her son. She recognized that God had met with her in that place and went back to the place she had been so eager to flee. I wonder how often she reflected on that ‘God-moment’ in her life in the years to come.

Her story doesn’t end there. In Genesis 21:14-21 this mother is alone again, wandering in the desert of Beersheba with her son. Her mother’s heart was breaking as she sat and sobbed. Once again God met her in that place of need and this time told her, “Do not be afraid” (Genesis 21:17). He opens her eyes to see the well of water that would provide for them and we are told that “God was with the boy as he grew up” (Genesis 21:20).

We are often challenged to see God at work in the situation in which we find ourselves. And like Hagar, we may even forget that God has seen us before. We may forget that he promised us that he is aware, he sees us and he will provide. But let us also, like Hagar was, be reminded that we need not be afraid because God has promised to be with us.

What is breaking your heart today? Are you facing financial uncertainty? Are your children or grandchildren making bad choices and you just want to weep? Remember that you are seen by the God who sees us and he is not unaware. He is telling you today to not be afraid because he is with you and at work in the situation.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that just like Hagar, you see me today. And like her, I can trust you to meet my needs and the needs of my family. Help me to daily be reminded of that reality and the promise that you are with me so I do not need to be afraid. Amen.

Throughout this Day: When you are tempted to despair or feel overwhelmed today, remember that you are seen by God and he is not surprised by what is happening in your life. Ask him to open your eyes to see his provision just as he opened Hagar’s eyes to see the water well.