El Roi is a name that I resonate with, as I have often felt unseen in different times and areas in my life. To know that God sees me has given me strength in times when life was just tough. As I was reading back over the story today, I saw Sarai a little differently.
I saw a woman who was feeling unseen by God. A woman who knew the promise that God had made to Abram. A promise that gave her hope. A promise that, as women, we may have felt when the timing didn’t go our way.
She was promised she would have a child, and here she is, still barren. She was impatient and felt like God had forgotten her.
So she did what we all do when we are tired of waiting on someone else to do what they are supposed to: we took matters into our own hands. And unlike us, when we took the trash out because “we have asked, POLITELY, THREE TIMES, and it still hasn’t been done,” so we just do it ourselves….. While we have a clean trash bag ready to collect the next mess, Sarai made a massive mess that she now has to deal with.
I can only imagine the heartache that Sarai felt when Hagar became pregnant. I am sure the attitude of Hagar changed, but I am also positive the perception of Sarai changed, and how she viewed Hagar. Hagar’s disrespect was only amplified by Sarai’s feelings of being “forgotten” by God.
When have you had a Sarai moment? When have you taken matters into your own hands and refused to be patient with God’s timing? How did that work out for you? Did you have an empty trash can, or did you have a new mess to clean up?
I pray you know that El Roi sees you. He sees you waiting, and praying, and even begging to be seen. He hears you calling on His promises, and He knows the inner corners of your heart where you are hiding.
He knows you, and He loves you.
Have a great day with Jesus!
Life on E Street 