“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.” – Genesis 16:13 (Amplified Bible)
Homelessness is the new American pandemic. All too often we see the blank stare of souls standing on the corners holding signs or lying on the cities sidewalks. No longer is this plight afflicting the destitute of the community – but frightening statistics are including “the new poor”. These are the educated, previous tax payers now living in their cars. They went from good paying jobs to no jobs. The economic tsunami has swept across the country leaving bewildered refugees in foreclosure and requesting food stamps.
I received a call from a young woman who I have known for a number of years. She once lived in a beautiful suburban home. Now she and her children were out of state living in their car. My heart was heavy and I sent what I could to help her, but that was only enough for food and gas for a couple of days. She tried to get into a shelter, but there was a waiting list of families with children. The one thing I love about this young woman no matter where she lived – she remembered the Lord. Her circumstances were frightening, but her faith was strong. We prayed and asked God for protection, peace, safety and favor for her and her children. It was a very long night as I fought the dismal scenarios that the enemy tried to press in my thoughts.
I cried out to the Lord as I remembered the teaching of Dr. Vernon- to praise God in advance no matter the situations. I began to praise our faithful Abba and remind Him of “Who He is”. I reminded Him of what He’s done! I exalted his name and stood on the fact that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us. Do you know what God did? He took me to His word. I began to read about Hagar. I started reading where a very pregnant Hagar, who ran away from Sarai because of harsh treatment. She ran into the wilderness, a place of uncertainty, the breeding ground of fear and the amplification of insecurity. She was homeless, in the wilderness with the possibilities of lions and tigers and bears – Oh my!
The scriptures said that the angel of the Lord found Hagar near a well or spring in the desert and identified her as the servant of Sarai. He asked her where she came from and where she was going. The angel told her many wonderful promises and told her to go back to her mistress. The Angel of the Lord was the title given to Christ in His Old Testament appearances, what is called a theophany. Jesus also told her the name of child she carried and what type of man he would be. Hagar called this well, Beer Lahai Roi. This is the place where the Lord spoke to her: ”You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
When I finished praising God in advance, I Thanked Him again and my heart was full of joy and my faith was encouraged, for I knew my God saw me. My Lord also let me know that He saw my dear loved one!
In Hagar’s situation, she went back to Sarai. She would never be the same since her encounter with El Roi-The God who sees. Years later Hagar and her son Ishmael were put out of the camp. She cried out when the food and water ran out. Once again she faced being homeless. She cried out and God heard her cries. He told her not to be afraid. The text goes on to say “18 Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.” – Genesis 21:18-19 (Amplified Bible) ; The text goes on to say that they lived in the desert of Paran.
We know from God’s word that He sees us and knows our location and situation. Now it is time for us to see Him! If we are looking down we are focused on our situation. We will miss the miraculous intervention and deliverance of an awesome God. As we lift up our faces in child like faith we are praising God and can bare witness to His mighty handiwork. We are to move in faith and trust. Do not be afraid. Trust in the limitless power, resources and everlasting love of our mighty God. My dear loved one made it through the night. She searched for shelter and faced rejections from several agencies, but was finally given a voucher at an extended stay hotel for a week. I know that God will help her to see the well of water. She will master this wilderness trial. She will bring much glory to God as she shares her testimony with others.
Join me as we lift up our hearts in prayer:
Father God, we confess that there are many times that we don’t understand what You are doing, but we are learning to trust You. We ask You to guide our steps and give us wisdom to make good decisions. Oh Lord God we are seeking to do Your will. Help us to also seek Your peace and purpose when we are faced with uncertainty. Whether we are homeless or in the midst of an Oasis, help us to remember that You always see us, and you want us to see You through the eyes of faith and mirror of Your Holy Word. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
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