3 - El Roi
Scripture Passages: Genesis 16, Matthew 10:26-42
Devotional
Have you ever felt invisible? Maybe you’re facing a situation where no one seems to understand, or you’re struggling with something so personal that it feels like you’re completely alone. In those moments, it’s powerful to remember the name El Roi—the God who sees.
In Genesis 16, we find the story of Hagar, a woman in a desperate situation. Hagar was a servant to Sarah and Abraham, and when Sarah couldn’t have children, she gave Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. After Hagar became pregnant, tensions arose, and Sarah mistreated her, driving her into the wilderness. Feeling hopeless, abandoned, and unseen, Hagar was running away from a painful situation.
But in her lowest moment, God intervened. In Genesis 16:7-13, God spoke to her and revealed that He knew exactly where she was and what she was going through. He didn’t just offer her a way out of her circumstances but gave her a promise for the future. Hagar responded with profound realization and called Him El Roi, meaning, “Thou God seest me” (Genesis 16:13). In a moment of deep despair, Hagar recognized that God not only saw her physically but understood her pain and her heart.
As we reflect on this, we see a few important truths about God’s character and how He interacts with us.
God Sees You In Your Struggles
When you’re feeling overlooked or misunderstood, it’s comforting to know that God sees you in your struggles. He saw Hagar in the wilderness, and He sees you in your own moments of difficulty. It’s not just about seeing your outward circumstances; God sees your heart. He knows the depth of your pain, and He understands your heart’s cry even when others don’t.
God Sees Beyond Your Present Circumstances
When God spoke to Hagar, He acknowledged her pain but also gave her a future to look forward to. He promised her that her son’s descendants would be numerous. Even though her immediate situation was difficult, God had a bigger picture in mind. Just like Hagar, you can trust that God sees beyond your present challenges. While you may not always understand what’s happening now, He has a plan for your life that extends beyond the moment.
You Are Never Truly Alone
Though Hagar was in the wilderness, she wasn’t truly alone. God met her there, and He spoke to her with love and care. It’s the same for you. Even when it feels like you’re by yourself, God is right there with you. He sees your struggles, He is aware of your needs, and He is always present, ready to meet you where you are.
This means that no matter what you face, El Roi is with you, seeing you, and loving you through it all. You don’t have to carry your burdens in silence, hoping someone will notice. God sees you in the midst of your pain and cares about what you’re going through.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being El Roi, the God who sees me. I bring my struggles before You today and trust that You see me in my pain. Help me to rest in Your presence, knowing that I am never truly alone. Thank You for Your love and care. Amen.