How should we respond when God seeks us in our difficult situations? Setting the Scene: Genesis 16:7 “Now the Angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the wilderness—the spring along the road to Shur.” The God Who Finds Us • God initiates the encounter; Hagar is running, but He seeks. • “Angel of the LORD” points to God personally stepping into human distress. • His pursuit is purposeful, never accidental (Psalm 139:7-8; Luke 19:10). Our Right Response: Lessons from Hagar • Stop and listen—Hagar pauses when God speaks (John 10:3-4). • Speak honestly—she tells the truth about her situation (Genesis 16:8). • Receive His direction—she obeys the command to return, trusting His promise (Genesis 16:9-10). • Acknowledge His character—she names Him “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). Practical Steps When God Seeks You 1. Recognize His presence even in the “wilderness.” 2. Surrender the urge to keep running; give Him your full attention. 3. Verbalize your pain and confusion; He already knows, but invites your voice (Psalm 34:18). 4. Embrace any correction or redirection He gives; obedience opens the door to blessing. 5. Affirm His faithfulness out loud; worship cements the encounter in memory. Connected Passages: Seeing the Pattern • Exodus 3:7 — “I have surely seen the affliction of My people… I am aware of their sufferings.” • Psalm 23:4 — His presence in the valley means comfort, not abandonment. • Isaiah 43:2 — Assurance of divine accompaniment through waters and fire. • Luke 15:4 — The Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one. Encouragement for Today When God finds you in your hard place, He is not condemning but rescuing. Pause, listen, answer honestly, follow His lead, and echo Hagar’s confession: “You are the God who sees me.” |
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