God had promised Sarai, Abram’s wife, that she would have a son, but in her impatience, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She had a maidservant named Hagar, who she gave to Abram as a wife with the hopes that she could build a family through her. However, once Hagar became pregnant, she began to despise Sarai, so Sarai mistreated her.

As an Egyptian woman, it is likely that Hagar didn’t share the same faith in God that Abram and his family did. The Bible makes no mention of her devotion to God, but as Sarai’s maidservant, I would guess she had come to know “the basics” about God. When Sarai mistreated Hagar, she ran away, not knowing where to go or what to do. The angel of the Lord found her in the desert and gave her the hope she needed. God saw Hagar, not because of anything she had done or because she was good, but rather because HE is good. She came to know Him personally and gave the Lord the name “El-Roi”, which means “The God who sees me”. We see this specific name for God only once in Scripture, and it came from Hagar who may have been considered an unlikely source, but “The God who sees” is still the same today.

Do you at times feel lost in the desert like Hagar? Maybe not in a literal sense, but perhaps you wander away not knowing what to do or where to go? When we feel invisible and forgotten by those around us, God sees us. He sees our struggles and draws near to us. Matthew 6:26 reminds us that our value is greater than the birds of the air that God cares for without them doing anything to deserve it. Our mistakes do not separate us from God. He is there, ready to forgive, when we come to Him with sincere and humble hearts. He has a plan for our lives. He is always good, and we can trust in Him.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, you are the God who sees me. Not because of anything I have done or because I am good, but because YOU are always good. When I wander or feel unseen, let me see the many ways in which you love me. The blessings you bestow upon me and the answers to my many prayers, the beauty of your creation, and incomparable gift of love that we have in Jesus. I know I can fully trust your care for me in every season. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Genesis 16:13 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.