God’s protection and provision even in unexpected situations.
Genesis 16 Scripture (World English Bible - WEB)
1: Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2: And Sarai said unto Abram, “Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her.” And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
3: And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
4: And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
5: And Sarai said unto Abram, “My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.”
6: But Abram said unto Sarai, “Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee.” And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
7: And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur;
8: And he said, “Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go?” And she said, “I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.”
9: And the angel of the LORD said unto her, “Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.”
10: And the angel of the LORD said unto her, “I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.”
11: And the angel of the LORD said unto her, “Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.”
12: And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
13: And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, “Thou God seest me:” for she said, “Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?”
14: Wherefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
15: And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
16: And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.
“Thou God seest me.” – Genesis 16:13
Table of Contents
Introduction Hagar’s Trial and Flight God’s Appearance and Promise Ishmael’s Future and God’s Plan Trusting God’s Care 5-Minute PrayerIntroduction
In Hagar’s suffering and flight into the wilderness, we see the compassionate side of God. He meets her personally, speaks comfort and purpose into her life, and she names Him El Roi — “the God who sees me.” This powerful moment reminds us that God notices and cares for those who feel forgotten or mistreated.
Genesis 16 teaches us the dangers of running ahead of God’s plan and the importance of waiting patiently for His promises. Yet it also reveals God’s mercy, as He lovingly intervenes even when human decisions complicate His purposes.
As we begin today’s devotional, may we learn to trust God’s perfect timing, resist the urge to take control of His plans, and find comfort in knowing we serve the God who sees us.
Hagar’s Trial and Flight (Genesis 16:1-6)
Hagar fled after being mistreated by Sarai. Life’s difficulties may drive us to run, but God notices and intervenes.
Reflection: Are you trying to escape hardships without trusting God? He sees your struggles and provides guidance.
God’s Appearance and Promise (Genesis 16:7-12)
God appeared to Hagar and promised to multiply her descendants. God’s promises bring hope even in despair.
Teaching Point: God sees our afflictions and provides solutions beyond our understanding. Trust Him for provision.
Ishmael’s Future and God’s Plan (Genesis 16:12-16)
God revealed Ishmael’s future as a strong nation. Even in unconventional situations, God has a plan for His people.
Encouragement: Believe that God’s plan can work through unexpected circumstances for His glory.
Trusting God’s Care
Hagar called God “Thou God seest me.” We can trust God’s care in every situation.
Reflection: God sees you and knows your struggles. Lean on Him for guidance and protection.
Heavenly Father, thank You for seeing us in our struggles just as You saw Hagar. Help us to trust in Your care and provision, even when situations seem impossible.
Lord, strengthen our faith to submit to Your guidance and follow Your plans. Teach us to believe in Your promises and see Your hand at work in our lives.
Father, may we acknowledge Your presence in every challenge and experience Your peace and protection. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
0 Comments