She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” – Genesis 16:13

Sarah’s bid to help God fulfill his promise of giving she and Abraham a son backfired in ways she did not expect. In the preceding chapters before our verse for today, God commands Abraham, who was childless and way past his youth to move from his father’s household to a place where He will show him. In obedience, Abraham leaves his father’s household, along with his wife and servants. This marked the beginning of a supernatural relationship between God and Abraham.

In the course of time, God promises to give Abraham and Sarah a son, although they were way past conception. However, after a few years went by without any sign of conception, Sarah convinces Abraham to lay with their young Egyptian servant; Hagar. Thinking that perhaps Abraham’s lineage was meant to continue through her. Hagar conceived but started treating Sarah with contempt. Her insistent contempt provokes Sarah to anger and jealousy, so she convinces Abraham to send the pregnant Hagar away.

Having no where to go, the Bible recounts how Hagar was in great distress. Our verse for today points out an encounter Hagar had with an Angel of God while going through this abandonment and confusion. During the encounter, the Angel promises Hagar that she will bear a son who will be great and become the father of many people, and that the Lord will bless them with abundant wealth. Feeling consoled, Hagar exclaims “You are the God who sees me, I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Just like Hagar; many of us have made mistakes that have landed us in unbearable situations. However, in this moment, God’s light shines brightest, and just like Hagar; He sees us. He sees the neglect, He sees the barrenness, He sees the sickness and the joblessness but above all; He sees us. His promise still remains, if we submit to Him, He will prosper us and give us a future. Let us cling on to this word with all our hearts and believe that our faithful Lord will remain faithful until the end, in Jesus name. Amen.