Two times Hagar was mistreated. First, she was mistreated and ran away on her own choice. But when the angel of the LORD found her, she called Him, EL ROI – the God who sees. The second time she was mistreated she was sent away. She felt hopeless and believed that she and her son would die in the desert. The angel of the LORD visited again, because God  “heard the voice” of her son. Have you ever been wrongly mistreated? One time? Two times? Too many times to count? Hagar and many others around the world understand. But Hagar realized in both visits that not only does God see what is going on in her life, and your life, God also hears your prayers, your whispers, your cries, and the moments when you have no words to speak.

I am a visual learner so I like to post notes around my home as daily reminders. I’ve put in several places signs that say, “EL ROI -YOU ARE THE GOD WHO SEES ME.” As I pondered on those words, my heart was gratefully encouraged. I don’t have to tell God every bad thing that happened to me. He knows. His heart breaks when His children are mistreated or suffering. However, I was convicted that God sees the wrong that I do… neglecting or ignoring the needs of others, speaking an unkind word, showing disapproval with my negative body language, giving a disdainful look, or just failing to show empathy to those I meet. God is not a dictator who points His finger at you and shames you when you do something wrong. God brings those things to your mind, so that He can lovingly change you to be Christlike.

I know that you are thinking, If God knows that I am being mistreated or suffering, why doesn’t He do anything about it?

I hear your pain. I don’t have all of the answers. I only know that some things happen because of sin in the world, some things happen because of previous choices that I have made. I do know this…  I have years of experience of suffering. I can honestly look back and see where God has brought comfort to me when I turned to Him, or used what I learned to help others find hope.

Be encouraged my friend. God sees you, God hears you, God loves you.

Dear Lord,

It brings me peace and joy to be reminded that You see all things and You know all things. Remind me of Your love when I doubt Your presence. Show me how to rise above my circumstances. When the physcial or emotional pain seems umbearable help me to find comfort in Your Word. And Lord, as You see and hear me, give me eyes and ears for others, so that I can share the comfort and healing that You have given me. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Find comfort in these verses:

I Samuel 16:7, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 30:11-12