I try to avoid being someone that gives a quick, simple answer to a hard, nuanced situation. It’s led me to an accidental catchphrase that I often find myself saying instead: “You don’t have to put a bow on it for me.”
It’s the same reason I have been writing this for, let’s just say, far too long. I didn’t want to break my own rule, quickly wrapping up Hagar’s story with a neat and tidy bow embroidered with the words “but God saw her.” It just didn’t feel like enough to hold it all together. Is being seen by God actually enough to make up for all of the other parts of her story? Hagar’s life doesn’t look at all like what I would think someone who has been seen by God would.
Would someone who’s been seen by God conceive and carry a son they would have no legal right to? Would someone who’s been seen by God be deliberately mistreated and sinned against? Would someone who’s been seen by God be sent back to their place of slavery? In Hagar’s story, the answers are a resounding “yes.”
It was alone in the wilderness, amid these very circumstances, that Hagar had an encounter with God. And where I expected to find a list of despairing requests and justifiably bitter complaints, I instead found her caught up in something else entirely: God had seen Hagar, and she had seen Him. Calling Hagar “the woman seen by God” is not something we project onto her story; it’s a truth she named herself when she gave God a new name (El-Roi), identifying Him as the God who sees.
But it wasn’t just that Hagar was told this by Abraham or one of the other Israelites. An angel of the Lord came to her directly in the wilderness, leaving her with just one question: “In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me?” (Genesis 16:13). Hagar had seen God.
While I can’t speak for Hagar, her words echo my own experience. When the Lord has shown up in my life in an undeniable way, it hasn’t been the answer to a prayer or the clear act of grace that has brought me the most comfort—it’s been knowing that God even heard the prayer in the first place. It means He heard me. He saw me. He remembered me. Those hard-to-describe moments have filled me with more awe, wonder, and meek astonishment than anything else I’ve ever experienced.
Being seen by God wasn’t intended to be the bow that adorned Hagar’s story with a happy ending or beautifully tied up all of the loose ends. Her story was full of tragedy, and it remained that way after both of her recorded encounters with God. Like Hagar, being seen by God hasn’t always resulted in the circumstances of my life being held together the way I want them to be. But it has resulted in me being held together. And I’ve learned, slowly but surely, that’s far better every single time.
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125 thoughts on "Hagar"
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Amen
Amen!
Powerful reading. God is always in control
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The God Who Sees. I am so, so thankful that God sees me.
I have mentioned it before, but Teresa reminded me to share the song (long version) “The God Who Sees” produced by Kathie Lee Gifford, and sung by Nicole Mullen!
I positivity love that video and song!
I’m late getting to comment. But I will say that when my heart finally wrapped around that God sees me and he hears me, it was changed me! Just knowing that can fill my day with joy!
God is good to see everyone!
Praying for all!
YES, Amen! Life changing!
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In Islam and Christianity both Hagar and Ismael are recognized. Somehow I wonder if this was the beginning of what continues today in the Middle East.
Being seen by God is better than having perfect circumstances. And yet, we continue to pour out our hearts to the God who sees us, believing that He hears and He will care for us. ❤️
Good Morning Shes
Digging a little deeper about Hagar’s despair in the desert, I found these words in a different devotional:
“When we find our tears staining the scorching sand of a desert, we too, can be sure that God wants to comfort us, is moved by our tears, and wants to reveal His plans for our good future.”
How calming & clarifying to know from anxiety & angst can come peace & a promise.
What Abraham & Sarah did in harshness, banishing Hagar & Ishmael to the wilderness, God meant for good.
As pastor/teacher Russ Ramsey, pointed out in the first week podcast,
Hagar, the outcast, was the first in the OT, in close encounter, to ascribe a name, ‘El-roi’ to the Lord.
I pray God, in your magnificence & might, to speak salvation over all women & children endangered & desperate in whatever wilderness.
Amen & Amen
Yes Gwineth. I echo your prayer.
Amen
Amen GWINETH52
❤amen
Thank you, HANNAH LITTLE, for asking hard questions. I spend quite some time this morning, feeling deeply sorry for Hagar’s suffering, but at the same time, enyving her, longing for the same encounter with the God who sees…
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“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.”
— Blaise Pascal
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Hagar’s encounter with God in the wilderness —where she was seen, heard, and named Him El Roi— became enough for her to return to suffering with hope, because she had been personally known by the living God — the only infinite Being who could satisfy the infinite longing within her.
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God Who Sees, meet us today, in our suffering and in our joy. Fill our “God-shaped vacuum” with Your Presence. AMEN.
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Amen!
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Amen❤
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These stories of the people of old…so stirring. So much to glean.
I’ve been so focused on “me”. On my problems, my worries…”help me, God”…
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And there are so many around me struggling with so much…
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My cousin Pam passed away yesterday after open heart surgery. 66 years old. My aunt and uncle have now have had to bury 3 of their 5 daughters.
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One of my dear friends, Rhonda, has a 14 year old grandson in jail…long story but he needs prayers!
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My DIL had carpel tunnel surgery…4 children at home!
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And so many more…
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But God…
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Oh but God. He sees. He hears. He remembers.
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Prayers for all of you sweet shes. ❤️
Oh, Sue, that’s a lot! So sorry about your cousin! Prayers for all mentioned. ❤
That is a lot. Praying too ❤️
Sue, Praying for these important needs and you and Steve as well. Your aunt and uncle – my heart breaks for them.
Yes, that’s a lot dear Sue. What a good study day to remember that God knows and sees all of this- and can help you and use you to encourage them!
Praying for all the needs you listed!
That is a lot to be carrying, GRAMSIESUE, let me carry some in prayer with you..
Sending you some arms around you hugs covered in much prayer.❤ ❤
The God who sees! Another late night at youth group and another morning trying to get as much sleep as possible. God’s timing for this devo was far more than PERFECT. MY God, my JESUS sees me!! I have to get ready for work, BUT GOD…..He sees me! Need our prayer warriors to be praying about a situation that happened yesterday afternoon. Pray for guidance. Gotta go.
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I will be praying for guidance and wisdom Mari!
praying for needed guidance, Mari.
Yes today was fitting for that, his timing amazes me! He sees you in YOUR circumstance friend!
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Thanks to all my sisters that responded to my prayer request yesterday. I am flummoxed and more than a bit sad.
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I think it is interesting… all the references to Egypt… Hagar, Moses, Pharaoh, Joseph’s dream to flee to Egypt. I wonder if it’s because of geography, or if there’s something more. I’ll ruminate on that some more.
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And isn’t it interesting that Hagar sat a BOWS’ SHOT away, and then Ishmael became an ARCHER? And interesting, also, that God still blessed Ishmael as Abraham’s descendant, even though Abraham took matters into his own hand (and had a child not from his wife).
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God is good.
I had similar thoughts about the Egyptian connection and did a little research. Thanks for pointing out the archery reference; I have totally missed that!
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Continued prayers for answers. ❤
Thanks, Cee Gee! ❤️
I noticed that too and laughed when HANNAH said she wanted it tied up with a bow
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Hahahahaha, Kelly! ❤️
Smart cookie, you are, sister! ☺☺☺❤
Praying you get some answers soon Adrienne!
Thanks much, Rhonda! ❤️
Lol.❤❤
“Like Hagar, being seen by God hasn’t always resulted in the circumstances of my life being held together the way I want them to be. But it has resulted in me being held together. And I’ve learned, slowly but surely, that’s far better every single time.”
Thank you Lord that you see me, you hear me and that you hold me together. Amen
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Yes, Wendy B!
His gentle & Holy hands, holding us together.
Knowing God sees me is so comforting.
Gm! If you haven’t seen this song on YouTube about the women of the Bible – you need to! ❤️
https://youtu.be/sz81dIfwf4Y?si=Qw53AYdBfkQ-OiU8
Oh how I wanted a nice bow on Hagar’s story, just like I would like a nice bow on MY story, and on my son’s, and EVERYONE that I tell about our Good God! But unfortunately our faith wouldn’t be faith if we knew everything is solved and goes great after we say Yes to Jesus! Faith is trusting in Jesus despite our circumstances. Knowing that he sees us. He knows every detail of our life. Nothing surprises God. Our fleshy self wants God to solve all of our woes, tribulations, and afflictions. But God–He wants our love, devotion, trust, and obedience. We are such a witness and testimony when we stay faithful when things aren’t going well in our lives. We can’t say God is going to make everything better, but we can say he is with us.
It is through the afflictions, that Jesus meets us there. In the wait, when we can’t change our circumstances, when we are at a loss to do anything….we cry out to God. Lord, help me. We surrender. I surrender. And in that comes a joy and peace that sustains us.
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Good morning from beautiful North Carolina. Even tho the skies are overcast, the Son is shining through!
As I’ve read these familiar stories and seen the lessons they hold for us, the Lord has reminded me that none of their actions or attitudes caught Him by surprise. He knew even before He created the world who they were, what they would do, and how He would use them (and us). Our choices good or bad are already known to Him and the Lord still chooses and uses us! How overwhelmingly awesome!!!
God’s calling on our lives is steadfast and sure. Great is His faithfulness and true are each and everyone of the Lord’s promises!
Please pray for my sister. She has the shingles
Have a blessed day sisters.❤
Yes, so good Linda! Knowing that he sees us despite all our circumstances and our choices and still uses us!
Amen! ❤️ Praying for healing for your sister
Praying for Karen and praying for Gene’s catheter procedure tomorrow. AND, of course, praying for you precious Linda! ❤️
Forgot to update: Gene’s catheter procedure was moved to next Thurs due to our family scheduling conflicts. Thanks so much for your continuing prayers!
Thanks, Linda! Praying your sister’s case of Shingles is healed quickly without too much discomfort Praying God gives you strength for each day! ❤
So sorry to hear about your sister! Will be praying for healing!
Yes, Linda!
How awesome what He knows in advance.
And His answer is always for our good.
Praying ❤️
Paying for Gene and healing for your sister. Shingles is so painful and I pray she has relief soon.
joining my sisters here in prayer for your sister’s speedy healing, and for Gene’s procedure next week
Me too. Joining all in prayers for God’s hand over all things medical.❤
The God Who Sees Me
(A Prayer Poem)
In desert winds and silent cries,
When hope is lost beneath the skies,
You found me there, unseen, unknown—
A wandering heart, a soul alone.
You whispered gently, called my name,
No shame too deep, no fear, no blame.
You saw the tears I tried to hide,
And sat with me there, by my side.
You are the well in barren land,
The gentle voice, the guiding hand.
You promise life where death has crept,
You hold the prayers I’ve barely wept.
So here I am, still seen, still heard—
A broken soul, a budding word.
And like Hagar, I lift my eyes,
To El Roi, where mercy lies.
This is absolutely beautiful. ♥️
So beautiful, thank you for sharing ❤️
Beautiful ❤️
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Beautifully said…
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You have such a gift! ❤
Yes, Kimberly
His Glory goes before.
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Beautiful! ❤️
Thank you Kimberly, this is so beautiful.
Beautiful
Beautiful ❤️
So beautiful, Kimberly. Beautiful!❤❤
G-d made the same promises to her that He made to Abraham. G-d would make her son a great nation.Genesis 16:10:The angel of the Lord said to her,” I will greatly multiply your offspring, they will be too many to count.”
She was a slave, a woman, a foreigner. A gentile. This reminds me of Jesus moving among the Gentiles especially the Syro Phonecian woman and the healing of her child. Is this foreshadowing that gentiles would one day be part of the covenant?
Point of wonder: The water in the story. The angel of the Lord found her by the spring. She ran out of water. God opened her eyes and showed her living water when she thought Ishamel was going to die. Water was life in this region. Is this a foreshadowing of the Living Water ;Christ and the woman at the well?
God promises would one day include the gentile; people who were not of the benei Israel (people of Israel)
Oh Tanya!
I believe, Yes & Yes, to the foreshadowing!
And, Abraham was buried by both his sons, Isaac and Ishmael, in the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron.
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Hagars life was a tragedy. But she still saw God and God saw her.
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Hahaha life truly was a tragedy.. BUT GOD..
Hagars*
“But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!” ~ Psalm 66:19-20
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“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” ~ 1 Peter 3:12a
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Praise God that He not only sees, but He hears our prayers, just as He saw and heard Hagar.
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Blessings to each of you today. ❤️
Amen, Sharon. Hugs
God help me to know it is enough that You see me. In Jesus name, Amen
Being seen in general … I don’t have the words to fully describe the value of that to me. And being seen by God (!!) is the most awesome feeling of value and worth – that I matter to God regardless of whether I matter to anyone else. Thank you, Lord.
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KELLY (NEO) ❤️ labeled Hagar’s situation as gut wrenching, so true. The impatience, the sins, the lies, the attitudes, the taking matters into their own hands – between Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, there is quite a list. Yet, in all of this, God spoke to her and provided for her. And her name for him, El Roi, continues to be true and comforting today.
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DARBY BYRD – praying for Pat, for wisdom for his medical team, for comfort for him and his family
ADRIENNE – praying for God’s guidance in getting answers to these confusing symptoms
KENDALL ZEIGLER – praying as you wait
MARI V – how wonderful and encouraging!
WENDY B – yesterday’s comment ❤️
LAURA ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️ love that song, Trust in God
Thank you.
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Morning, dear sister!❤❤
I feel like every sermon I have ever heard on this topic quickly brushes over Hagar. I don’t know if it’s the discomfort of the sex outside his marriage or the fact that they wanted to cast all the blame on Hagar? Whatever it was, I was never taught to look at her with compassion. I appreciate the author of the devotion not trying to pretty this story up for us. Hagar is a life of tragedy, but she still saw God and God saw her.
Me too! I felt the same with this story,i love this outlook
I agree with you. Sarah and Abraham, two greats of faith, don’t look too good in this story. My heart has always broken for Hagar when reading this.
Amen❤️
“… that’s far better, every single time.”
This was beautiful and soul-clenching, I definitely needed this today! Thank you Lord, thank you Hannah, thank you SRT Team!
The whole situation with Hagar, Sarah, and Abraham was ugly and gut wrenching, especially to our modern sensibilities. Yet this is what God worked with to move His promises forward.
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There must have been some sort of reconciliation as Ishmael and Isaac were at Abraham’s death and buried him (Gen. 25:9).
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“Like Hagar, being seen by God hasn’t always resulted in the circumstances of my life being held together the way I want them to be. But it has resulted in me being held together. And I’ve learned, slowly but surely, that’s far better every single time.”
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Amen and amen.
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Praying for requests. Be a blessing today.
Thank you, Kelly, for putting words to my thoughts about their situation. As I’m writing, it comes to mind that none of it surprised God … something I need to remember daily.
Praying for your young mama, job, finances, housing and transportation.
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TRUTH:, that God can still do what He intends for our good, and for His glory! ❤❤
God sees us!
Beautifully written, Hannah Little! And what truth!
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God sees us, ALWAYS, TRUTH.
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God hears us, ALWAYS, TRUTH.
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God knows us, for SURE, TRUTH.
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God ALWAYS, ALWAYS, remembers us. TRUTH.
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BUT GOD..
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He never said life would be easy! Or simple. Or safe. Or without trouble, worries or woes.
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There have been many, many times in my life, I have felt and known for sure, without a shadow of doubt, that God was near and totally and absolutely ‘sees/saw me..
It is so easy to believe the lies.
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When my exes father was told he had an inoperable brain tumour and that he had roughly 6 months.. I was sad for my son, his wife, his family and myself!
For as long as I had known him, twenty plus years, I had never measured up, I had never been worthy, I had never quite fitted in, I was never on the same educated level..
I had Thursdays off, so I would take my younger son to visit papa, and I would cook a couple of days worth of meals for them, whilst there, so grandma would have the time to spend with him.. On one of those occasions, papa came and sat with me in the kitchen, he started chatting, asking what I was doing, and why I added that and how delicious that was going to be..
I had been seen by papa,and he was talking my language after all those years! And in the following weeks I enjoyed his visits to the kitchen for chats..
Towards the end, in his last days, against grandma’s wishes, because papa had not spoken for days and he just looked out of the window, I felt it important my son say goodbye to his papa, and to be a source of comfort to grandma, so I bypassed her request and arrived anyway.. We were given 30 minutes and then we had to go!
I sat in the kitchen, and waited for my son.
Grandma came in and asked if I’d like to say goodbye to papa. She led the way, and told him I was there .. He turned his head and said Hello.. And took my hand.. Tears roll as I remember.
A moment, I pray, I remember when I’m old and recounting my life story..
I was seen! I was noticed! I was heard.
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All praise to God, without a doubt. Father God needed me to poohoo the lies I had believed for so long.. I HAD been accepted, appreciated, and loved..
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God sees us, every day, it’s for us to believe, trust and place our ‘stuff’ in His hands, knowing that no matter what El Roi, absolutely sees, and there will be moments of realising, and there will be moments when we cannot see..
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It’s okay.
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It is well..
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He is always near.
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BUT GOD.
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AMEN..
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Happy Thursday! Covered in much love, hugs, and wrapped in prayers..❤❤
What a gift for your soul! Thanks for sharing ❤️
Yes, Tina, all praise to our Almighty God!❤️
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What a beautiful example. (heart)
What an example of doing the next right thing in those difficult circumstances! TRUTH: Sister, you would have done all of that even without the acknowledgement from Papa or Grandma because that is how your heart beats. What a gift you are! ❤ Sending hugs!
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Beautiful example!
Absolutely beautiful ❤️ story from every angle!! God bless you.