“You are the God who sees me.”
— Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
Hagar was a woman from Egypt, far away from her home and her family. She worked in the house of a man named Abraham, and she felt very lonely.
One day Hagar was treated unkindly, and it made her so sad that she ran away. She walked and walked into the hot, dry desert, all by herself, until she had to sit down by a little spring of water.
Hagar felt like nobody saw her and nobody cared. But Someone did. An angel from God came to her and called her by her name. “Hagar,” the angel said gently, “where have you come from, and where are you going?”
God promised to take care of Hagar. He told her she would have a baby boy named Ishmael, and that God would always watch over them both.
Hagar was so amazed that God had seen her — even way out in the desert where she felt all alone. So she gave God a special name. She called Him “the God who sees me.”
God kept His promise. Later, when Hagar and little Ishmael were thirsty and afraid in the desert again, God showed them water and kept them safe. God saw Hagar, and God sees you too — no matter where you are.
The Big Idea
Even when Hagar felt all alone and invisible, God saw her and cared for her. God sees you too, and He loves you very much.
Reflect & Discuss
- 1.How do you think Hagar felt when she was alone in the desert?
- 2.What special name did Hagar give to God?
- 3.When do you feel like nobody sees you? How does it help to know God always does?
A Prayer
Dear God, thank You that You always see me, even when I feel alone. Thank You for loving me and taking care of me, just like You took care of Hagar. Help me remember that You are the God who sees me. Amen.
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