Lecture: The God Who Sees Me

Key Passage

• Scripture Reference: Genesis 16
• Focus on the story of Hagar, an often overlooked character in the Bible.

Background Context

• Hagar was a servant to Abraham and Sarah, caught in their personal conflict.
• She was an Egyptian immigrant brought into a Hebrew family.
• Genesis 16:1: Sarah cannot bear children, proposes Hagar as a surrogate.

Main Storyline

• Hagar's Predicament: Forced into a role she didn't ask for, leading to tension with Sarah.
• Sarah treats Hagar harshly after Hagar becomes pregnant.
• Hagar flees due to the toxic environment.

Divine Encounter

• God's Intervention: God finds Hagar in the wilderness.
• God assures Hagar of her unborn child's future and calls her back.
• Hagar names God "El Roi" meaning "The God Who Sees Me".

Key Message

1. God Sees You

   • Being seen is being understood and significant.
   • Importance of feeling seen, drawing parallels to children seeking parental attention.

2. God Hears You

   • God's awareness of both our visible and internal struggles.
   • Emphasizes God's understanding of our unspoken thoughts and struggles.

3. God Has Called You

   • Every individual has a purpose and calling, as shown in Hagar's story.

Illustrative Stories

• Mother Teresa's Wisdom

  • Emphasizes forgiveness, kindness, and doing good regardless of others' responses.
  • Noted quote: "It was always between you and God."
  • Encouragement to persist in doing good.

• Peter Richley's Story

  • Survives multiple shipwrecks to ultimately reunite with his praying mother.
  • Illustrates God's orchestration of events for a greater purpose.

Additional Biblical Reference

• Acts 9: Dorcas (Tabitha) Story
  • A woman devoted to good works becomes ill and dies.
  • Peter's intervention revives her, highlighting God's not being finished with us.

Conclusion

• God's Promises

  • Assurance of God's vision and plans for each individual.
  • Importance of acknowledging God’s active presence and plans in personal lives.

• Call to Action

  • Encouragement to trust in God and His plans.
  • Invitation for personal commitment and prayer.

Final Thoughts

• Emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence and acceptance.
• Encourages a personal relationship with God, anchored in faith and trust in His omnipresence and omniscience.