Have you ever felt lonely, scared, angry, confused and hurt all at the same time? Ever felt like running away from a difficult situation? I have. There was a time, several years ago, when I wanted to run – hard and fast – from life as I knew it. I had just birthed three babies in three and a half years. Then, to everybody’s surprise – especially mine – my husband got a promotion that moved our young family across the country to a place where we knew no one. I had two babies in diapers and one “big boy” struggling to say goodbye to his binky. There was always a diaper to change, a mouth to feed or a mess to clean up. My days were a blur and my emotions were overloaded.
In my mind, I knew I wasn’t alone – but in my heart, I felt like I was.
God knew exactly where I was.
He saw me.
El Roi was with me each step of the way. He answered prayers that had never even made it past my lips when he sent me a priceless new friend named Peg. She was a young mom, too. We laughed together, cried together, prayed together, watched each other’s children and supported one another. She was a true blessing in that desperate season of my life.
Hagar was a young Egyptian servant girl who also faced some big challenges. In the Old Testament book of Genesis, chapter 16, we hear of her plight…and of her flight. When faced with difficult circumstances, she didn’t stay – she ran away. And when she found herself seemingly alone in the desert, God sought her out and called her by name. Stunned that the God of the universe cared to comfort her, Hagar responded by giving God a new name… El Roi… “The One who sees me.”
Dear Lord, there have been times when I have felt alone and abandoned. Thanks for reminding me that You are a God who will never allow me to be beyond Your sight or Your reach. Help me to face trials with a courage that is firmly routed in your strength and power so others might be drawn to You and know Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I pray that you will gaze upon El Roi today in reflection.
Warmest Blessings,
Gwen
I lost my husband and father recently and your prayer messages has helped me to understand that in the midst of all this loss god is by my side
He surely is. So sorry to hear of your loss and glad you are doing life with us.
Warmly in Christ,
Gwen
I am taking off my running shoes. Please pray for our aching family.
Hallelluya..I thank God for yr prayer..I am nursing my sick mother though myself going through an incurable sickness..indeed God is on my side because though I’m sick I can take care of my mother.thanx be to God for strengthening me.
Holy Father, We thank You for the strength you are providing Sheila and ask that You would continue to provide her with the grace, strength, joy and hope she needs to care for her mother and herself. Please be glorified in her life through the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I thank God for He is anbling me to understand His word in my life today, i pray,He will continue to give me more and more insight in His word, so as to help me preach His words like the fellow belivers Christ. in Jesue’ name, amen.
i need a payer in my marriage also.
Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves us, knows us and sees us. Please do an amazing work in Olivia’s marriage. Let it begin with her. Fill her with Your Spirit and allow those around her to see You shine through her words and deeds. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Gwen and the rest of the Girl friends,you are a blessing in the body of Christ. You give life relevant examples and am no exception to some to your life experiences. I have seen His grace in my life,as I am single handedly building a home for my beautiful 9 year old girl. I have never lacked anything. By His righteous hand I have seen Him leading. Surely I understand well when David says’” Some trust in horses & some in Chariots but we trust in God Jehovah”. I have seen Him lead me when there wasthing to put on the table for my girl,no busfare whatsoever. He continued being a faithful God
So great to hear from you, Khosi! Yes. We trust in the name of the LORD our God! Amen.
Have you ever felt lonely, scared, angry, confused and hurt all at the same time? Ever felt like running away from a difficult situation?
Yes,I have felt that way with almost every situation that was presented to me in life before i found forgivness for the core reasons why i was fearfull in many situations. Dont get me wrong i can still feel all of those, but it just seems like i dont hang onto them as long as i used to, through the years in my growing relatioship in Christ, my mind and heart are looking for the solution instead in dwelling in the uknown. I just pray the Lord continues to bring those thought of solution in my life in the midst of Chaos. Love the readings and I pray for ministries growth.
Thanks, Christina. Every day brings fresh challenges and our LORD is faithful to provide strength, dignity and joy for each day. Glad to be doing life with you!
yes He does, and today i understand Praising God in ALL THINGS, becuase i have found i recieved more when i go through pain of becomin broken enough for God to build me into what He intends..
Great thought, Christina. It is so important that we praise Him in and through everything. Not easy… but important.
Well what a blessing to have stumbbled on Girlfriends in God!
I am a new christian of 3 years and God has done a great work in my life and continues to work in my everyday. I am at a stage now where I crave worship…I crave ministries…I crave to learn more and more about Him
and now I can connect with YOU also….This is awesome
Thank You for walking in Faith
I look forward to tomorrows devotion
Blessings
Christine
That’s so great! We are excited to be doing life with you now, Christine!
Gwen, and all of you girlfriends who have posted on this blog, thank you for sharing yourselves. “Have you ever felt like running away ….” Yes, I have, and, I’m sorry to say, I did … from our daughter’s formal wedding. Okay, you mothers-of-the-bride will know exactly what I was going through, but I gave out a bit too soon. Mary Sutherland has shared with me/us about that slimy pit, and that is where I am now. Trying to embrace it and wait and crying out for Him. It’s so hard to remember to be patient and believe Him that he WILL turn to me. Already with your encouragement my faith is stronger. Please you all be patient with me.
Gwen Praise God for the God of all comfort. He is my refuge in times of trouble. I am learning to Trust God and this video gave me peace. I am leaning on Him more and more each day. I’ve been through so many trials but there is a purpose (I am now convinced though it took a long while). I have felt many emotions all at once. It hurts so deeply. I sometimes feel forsaken. Yet deep within the Spirit speaks and I know I am not alone. God sees me even in my darkest hour. He is with me. Thanks for sharing your story. It empowers me. I am growing and praising Him. God Bless.
Thanks, Krissy. Keep moving in that direction, friend!
Blessings to you too!
Krissy, this is a wonderful reminder. I was a little on the low side this morning. My children,all believers are having it really rough.Our stand in the Lord is contributing greatly to keep us “laid back”. Pray with us that “the prince of Persia” be overcome, the answer released and the name of the Lord glorified.
Thank you. He sees me and the children.
I AM A WOMAN OF WORTH BECAUSE THE GREAT I AM HAS SAID SO!!!!!!!!. PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR REMINDER. IT IS A BLESSING INDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL MY GIG’S SMOOOOOOOOOOCHES