God sees. God hears. God responds.
I serve a God is alive, present, and active in my life. The story of Hagar is my example of how God sees every struggle and hears every affliction. It was true for Hagar and it’s still true for me today.
Genesis 16:11-13 records the God’s confirmation of divine intervention and Hagar's response. And the Angel of the Lord said to her: “Behold, you are with child, And you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has heard your affliction... Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?”
The biblical meaning of the name Ishmael is “God will hear.” God's promise to Hagar was confirmed by the giving of a name to her unborn son. The last mention of Hagar solidifies her contribution and dedication. God saw her pain, heard her affliction, and acknowledged her plight.
The 16th chapter of Genesis records that Hagar was an Egyptian maid who unmistakably had an intimate relationship with God. Maybe she'd heard Abram and Sarai speak of the goodness of the Father. Maybe her desperate situation caused her to seek God on her own. Either way, she had a legitimate encounter with the Lord.
Hagar confessed, “I have seen Him who sees me.” Wow!
Hagar's life is my example. Her story reminds me that God has the infinite ability to see me where I am and to come to my rescue. He may not remove the matter, but He will give me the ability to handle the situation with grace and dignity. My willingness to obey will bring glory to God and peace to my soul.
Her Life My Example: Hagar