“The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” – Genesis 16:7-8, NIV
Hagar found herself alone and pregnant. She’d been instructed to sleep with her mistress’s husband, and the union had resulted in a pregnancy. But even this did not make her mistress happy.
So, Hagar felt she had no choice but to flee. She was traveling alone in the desert when God reached out to her. He asks where she’s from and where she’s going.
When Hagar explains that she’s run away, God instructs her to return to her mistress. Then He goes on to speak of her unborn child, promising that he will live freely in the land among the rest of his family.
The conversation leads Hagar to this revelation…
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, NIV
Not every pregnancy is easy or fun. Yours may be difficult due to disease or illness. You may lack the support of a community or be under a heavy load of stress. But just as God saw Hagar, He sees you. He sees your difficult pregnancy, and He is watching over you.
God, when I’m tempted to worry or fret, help me to turn to You. When discouragement calls my name, let me remember that I am seen by You, my loving Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
