Personal Encounters with God

Scripture – Genesis 16:11-16: The angel of the LORD also said to her: “You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” 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.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This must have been a powerful encounter for Hagar. Ishmael means “God hears.” And so as he grew, he would be a constant reminder that God heard her cries for help. She also called God, “the God who sees me.” She would remember that she, an Egyptian slave, was seen by God. After this experience she was able to go back and do what God had planned for her to do.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) These personal encounters with God impact my faith more than anything else. I’ve had many instances when He has clearly demonstrated His presence and His love for me. They remind me I am never out of His sight, nor am I ever left on my own to deal with life. I’ll keep my eyes open today – especially for the small things through which God makes Himself known to me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for seeing me and knowing me and being an active presence in my life. Help me live today in partnership with you. Remind me you are a living Savior. Keep working in me and through me this day. Show me what you have planned for me, and give me peace to do it.