A Day-by-day devotional

April 5, 2023

He sees you

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 1-4

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 16

Hagar was a slave. She was given by her mistress Sarah to her husband Abraham so that she can bear a son for them. Hagar had no choice. She got pregnant and carried her master’s son Ishmael. Later on, when Sarah conceived and bore a son as well, she banished Hagar together with her son. Prior to this, when Hagar was still pregnant, she fled from her mistress. But an angel of God spoke to her and asked her to come back.

At that time, when she felt helpless and all alone, Hagar realized that God sees her. He sees her in her suffering. He sees her in her plight.

Hagar was not an Israelite. She was a slave in a foreign land. She had no freedom. She doesn’t own her life. Her masters do. They decide what happens to her. She had no choice. In many aspects of life, she cannot choose for herself.

Hagar’s situation is probably the worse of its kind. But we are not unaware of her circumstance, because in one way or another, we have experienced how it is to be alone and helpless. Some of us in this life live in conflict zones and lands where freedom is only a word, not a reality.

In one way or another, we can identify with Hagar. God sees you. No matter how alone you may feel, He sees you. And He is there for you.

Reflection: Whenever you feel helpless and alone, remember Hagar. Stand in faith that God does the same for you as He did for her.

Prayer: El Roi, my God who sees me, thank you for not leaving me alone and helpless in various difficult and trying circumstances in life. You see me and love me. Amen.