“EL ROI”

“EL ROI”

One night in my teenage years, a friend and I lay on the lush green grass, staring into the clear night sky. I was troubled by something painful and in need of comfort. As we lay there stargazing, I noticed the clouds had formed into the word, Apple. I lay there stunned, knowing this was only by the hand of God, just not knowing what He was saying to me. Thankfully my friend was well-versed and said, “Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me under the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:8. “ EL ROI” ( The God who sees me.)

I have recently begun writing a book, referencing many Biblical characters and their sufferings. While researching Abram and Sarai, I stumbled upon Hagar and discovered how intriguing God’s plans can be. Hagar was Sarai’s maidservant and fled into the wilderness due to cruel treatment from Sarai.  After Hagar fled, pregnant with Abram’s child, an angel of the Lord told her to go home and submit to Sarai. She was informed by the angel of the Lord that God would multiply her offspring, which is the promise of favor. God would protect Hagar and Ishmael, her son, through their suffering. He didn’t say He would end it, or remove her from it, but protect her through it. Hagar’s heart was transformed through this encounter, even though her suffering would endure.

 “So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, ‘you are a God of seeing,’ for she said, ‘Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” Genesis 16:13.  Hagar’s statement shows exuberance and relief. She was no longer just a slave girl oppressed by a bitter Mistress, but a girl worth appearing to by “EL ROI.”  Being seen by God is the most beautiful and rewarding peace given. It is the hope of the glory that is yet to come.

 I’ve been a pretty invisible person all my life, but knowing God sees me, gives me confidence to love myself just as He made me and the security that He will see all things through in my life.

We learn through Hagar’s story that sometimes God doesn’t want us to run from our circumstances, but to allow Him to transform us through them. He transformed Hagar that day in the wilderness and she went home and endured more hardship. She had her trust in God and later when she and her son were exiled back to the wilderness, God protected and provided for them. He never stopped being the God who sees her. 

Our human nature wants to run from what is hard. Sometimes this needs to be the outcome. Oftentimes, it’s God’s power within you and your heart that materializes when you remain. In all matters and circumstances, recall “EL ROI,” The God who sees you.