SEEN
REPLENISH: FILL UP WITH GOD’S GOODNESS AND LIVE FULFILLED - DAY 16
My husband read me the text from our new pastor, and I smiled. We had already received a very similar message from the teaching elder as well. Both tenderhearted men had noted that I walked with a limp, and they wanted to offer me a shorter route to cross on Sunday morning to get to the service. They figured the long hallway entrance to the school cafeteria where the services meet was an arduous route for me, and so they informed us of a back door entrance that would shorten the steps I had to take.
Friends, I felt seen. Someone had taken note of my distress and had determined to intervene with attentive care. A path was opened up for me that I had no idea was even possible.
If you have ever felt overlooked, unwanted, or neglected, I pray that Hagar’s story will remind you that your God will always regard you with His compassion and esteem you as His treasured priority. You cannot hide away your uncertainty and confusion from the Lord for long — He will always seek you out in the midst of your desperation and find you in the wilderness. (Genesis 16:7)
Let me blow your mind: Bible Scholars agree that the “angel of the Lord” that appeared here to Hagar was actually an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ. Yep, Jesus took note of her distress and drew near to her with His comforting presence. This woman forsaken by man was not forgotten by her Redeemer.
Hagar was seen by the Savior. . . and so are you. The God Who is not limited by time or space knows everything you are experiencing. He identifies with your struggles and comes alongside you with support.
Right now, you may be walking on an arduous path, but you can trust that Your God has His watchful eye on you. Perhaps you may not understand exactly why He has allowed you to walk this road, but if you humbly submit to His lead, you can trust His loving presence will shepherd you to greener pastures eventually. The God who Sees you has promised: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8)
FUEL FOR THOUGHT:
“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3, NIV)