The God Who Sees

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Genesis 16:13 “Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees: “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” NKJV


Throughout the Bible there are many women, named and unnamed, who can impact our lives today – Sarah, Abraham’s wife who although she doubted, rejoiced over Isaac, the promised child; Mary, the young woman chosen to be our Savior’s mother; Deborah, a wise and just judge over Israel; and the unnamed Proverbs 31 woman – our ultimate example. These ladies are all worthy of emulation, and while not perfect, imitation. There are two Old Testament women that have come to mean a great deal to me over the years since my salvation in 1991. The first is Hagar, a maidservant and the second is Hannah, a beloved wife. Let’s look at Hagar first.


Hagar was the maidservant that Sarah used to “help God” give Abraham a son. She was a pawn in a scheme to “hurry” God along by bearing the son that Sarah couldn’t. Hagar did conceive and by the laws and customs of the times, her child would become the heir to her master and would be raised by her master and his wife. Hagar, in her humanness, taunted Sarah with her blessing until Sarah couldn’t handle the situation anymore. Sarah begged Abraham to send Hagar away, along with her child – Abraham’s “heir and son.” Abraham agreed and turned Hagar out in the desert.


In her desperation and isolation, Hagar found the One True God – the only One who could help her. The Lord promised to help, and He prophesized that her son would grow to be a mighty nation, although not God’s chosen people. So, Hagar returns to camp and Ishmael grows to be a mighty nation – however his people will always be the enemy of Israel.


Great, neat story – so how does that help us today? Hagar sought God and Hagar found God.

She took her troubles, doubts, and fears to the One, the only One, who could help her. I my life, when I have followed her example by searching for the Lord, He is always there – exactly where I wandered off into the desert. May we seek Him and rejoice as Hagar did – The God-Who- Sees – just as we are and just where we are.

Ann Pace

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