Do Not Be Afraid – You’re Always In God’s Sights

Hagar—Sarai’s servant—holds a special place in my heart. Treated more like a piece of property than a woman of worth, she experienced a most amazing encounter with God at a time when she felt overwhelmed and underappreciated.

Genesis 16 tells us that Sarai had arranged for Hagar to become pregnant with Abram’s child. That led to no end of trouble between Sarai and Hagar. Sarai treated Hagar harshly, and Hagar responded by running away. She hit the road for her homeland, Egypt.

Put yourself in Hagar’s sandals for a moment. Imagine her sitting by a spring of water in the wilderness. Perhaps she’s nauseous from the pregnancy. She’s emotionally battered and physically exhausted. She feels betrayed and abandoned.

Everything changes when God shows up

He calls her by name, engages her in conversation, gives her direction, and bolsters her with the courage needed to return to Sarai and Abram.

It must have been an amazing encounter. From that time forth, she used a name when referring to the Lord. It meant,

“You are the God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)

This morning in my quiet time, I read from John 1 where Nathanael and Philip approached Jesus from a distance.

“As they approached, Jesus said, ‘Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.’

‘ How do you know about me?’ Nathanael asked.

“Jesus replied, ‘I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.’” (John 1: 47-48).

There it is again – “see”

It’s my special word for 2017, and seeing it (no pun intended) in print twice today brings several insights to mind:

Like Hagar, I find courage in knowing God—like a watchful Father—sees me at all times. I also feel challenged (and somewhat convicted) in knowing He sees my heart. May He look upon it and see complete integrity.