There are times when we find ourselves in the “story within a story”. Sometimes we get caught in the decisions and actions of others in ways that cast us into difficult circumstances or wounded relationships. The result is often that we find ourselves estranged from others in a lost and last place.

Abram, Sarai and Hagar of the Old Testament have a story like this. Hagar was the collateral damage in the decisions of Abram and Sarai. Through it, she discovered a new name and title for God – El Roi, the God who sees. The story of Hagar leaves us with a powerful and healing truth – God sees us when no one else pursues or cares.

Through the testimony of Hagar, we learn the depths of God’s love and the profound meaning of Immanuel, God with us.