God’s grace helps overcome struggles

Our God is one who sees and knows the needs of his children. He is a God of compassion and long suffering. When our mind questions and our heart cries out, “Lord do you see what I am going through,” be assured He does.

Our trials and struggles do not escape his notice. The situations we find ourselves involved in are not hidden from the Lord who sees all. The loneliness or abandonment felt, the fear and turmoil of a wounded soul is in the eye gate of the one who sees all things. Scripture tells us that there is nothing hidden from the eyes of the Lord. His intervention and ministry to you is there, and help is on the way. He understands. Although you may not yet see the answer, have hope.

In Genesis 16:6-13, Scripture records the story of a woman named Hagar. She was the servant of Sarai, Abraham’s wife. The Bible states that Hagar was treated harshly by her mistress and decided to run away. She runs to the desert near a spring of water. There is an encounter with the angel of the Lord, God’s messenger sent to Hagar. He says to her, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She tells him she is running from her mistress, therefore answering only the first of the question. The second part of the question remains unanswered because Hagar does not know where she is going. She ran away out of hurt, desperation and fear. The angel instructs her to return to her mistress as it is God’s plan for her. Amazed and encouraged, she says of the Lord, “You are the God who sees me.”

This portion of Scripture serves as an encouragement and helps us to see and understand God’s care. Even though this woman felt alone and uncared for, God saw. He never stopped looking in her direction. She stopped in her desert escape to rest and drink by the spring of water. Perhaps she stopped to ponder her way and her decision. It was there that the Lord’s plan unfolded. We all can learn from this story.

First, running away from circumstances will never solve anything. Our own strength, physical or emotional, will carry us so far. With God’s strength and wisdom we can overcome any obstacle. His grace is more than sufficient to carry us through to the answer.

Second, when running we lose sight of where we are going. The blinders of hurts and wounds cause us to cry out, “I need to get out of here!” Christian, running is only a round-trip ticket. There are things in life that must be addressed and cannot be avoided. God is there, providing direction and assistance to enable us to have the victory in spite of the difficulty.

Third, God sees all. He will send a messenger to encourage us. He will speak to us through his holy word, the Bible, and bring instruction. He knows how to reach us, and none escapes his notice.

Psalm 33:13-14 reads “The Lord looks from heaven and sees. From His dwelling place, He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth.” He is the God who sees you! The Lord wants you to know that despite the circumstances you face, he is there. He is working on your behalf. May you realize His Presence and rest in His peace, knowing that He is the God who sees.

Patty Scahill of Austintown is a conference speaker, author and hospice chaplain.