Draw Nearნიმუში

The God Who Sees Me

Today, we’re going to look at the story of an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. At this point in the biblical narrative, God’s promise to Abram that he would become a great nation has one major problem: Abram’s wife, Sarai (who later becomes “Sarah”), has been unable to conceive children.

Instead of waiting on God’s timing for a child of their own, Sarah and Abraham take matters into their own hands—through Hagar. And doing things their way isn’t pretty. In fact, it becomes a big mess of dysfunction and pain.

When Hagar becomes pregnant, tensions reach an all-time high between Sarah and Hagar. Ultimately, Hagar flees from a humiliating and hurtful situation.

While seemingly alone in the wilderness, she encounters the angel of the Lord who tells her to return home. Before she does, the angel blesses Hagar, promising that her descendants would be “too numerous to count.”

And in response, Hagar says in Genesis 16:13 NIV:

… “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Hagar is the first person in the biblical narrative to give God a name, and she uses the Hebrew word El Roi to describe her understanding of God’s love, care, and intentionality.

He is the God who sees. And He sees, knows, and loves you, too.

In Hagar’s story, we see the powerful truth that God knows, cares for, and loves every person—and that His offer of salvation extends to every tribe and nation. While Hagar’s experience captures some of the consequences of impatience and hurtful, manipulative decisions, it also beautifully highlights the redemptive and compassionate character and purposes of God.

Pause and Reflect

Name a recent way you’ve experienced God’s personal care in your life. How did God show up?

Pray

Kind and loving Father, You are El Roi—the God who sees me. You see me and know me, and still You love me! When I feel used, mistreated, or overlooked, remind me that You’re close, and that You’re working things out with love on my behalf even when I can’t see it yet. Thank you for caring deeply for all people. Please help me to see others the way You see me, through the eyes of love. In Jesus’ name, amen.