Genesis 16:13-14 (NIV) “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.
Every time Sarah or Abraham mentioned Hagar in their conversations, she was simply referred to as “my slave” or “your slave”
Genesis 16:2 (NIV) “so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”
Hagar had no value in their eyes other than someone to be used for their own gain: to manipulate God’s plan to provide an heir. When God found Hagar at the well, the first word out of His mouth was, “Hagar”
Genesis 16:8 (NIV) “And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.”
When no-one else cared for Hagar, God did. God know her by her name. You may wonder if anyone even knows you exist? Does anyone really care?
When we are facing a crisis, it is vital for each of us to know this profound truth: “God knows my name, he is God El Roi who sees.
Exodus 33:12-17 (NLT) “One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favourably on you.” 13 If it is true that you look favourably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favour. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” 14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” 15 Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that you look favourably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.” 17 The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favourably on you, and I know you by name.”
El Roi is not blind to your situation. Your situation has not taken Him by surprise, although it may have taken you by surprise. Our situation—our very life—is always before his eyes. Nothing escapes His divine notice or attention.
El Roi, the God that sees, came to Hagar. He sought her out and arrived at the moment of her greatest need. At that moment, it was to be reassured that she was seen, that she was loved and not forgotten, that she and her unborn child would be cared for.
Psalm 147:3 (NLT) “He heals the broken hearted and bandages their wounds.
God sees you! He sees exactly what you’re going through, be, to quote Hagar, “You are [El Roi] a God of seeing. Truly, here I have seen Him who looks after me”