To Be Seen - Theresa Schwenke
We all know eye contact is a vital part of effective communication. God references the eyes, sight, and to be seen throughout the Bible. It’s a powerful feeling to be seen- not just a look, or a glance. Through the years I have grown to love the women of the Bible, and because of their testimonies, I've learned how much God loves women- so uniquely! Such gentleness, mercy, understanding and compassion! One of my most favorite women is Hagar. God alone knew the extent of her situation and hurt. In Genesis 16:4, the Bible says, “was despised in her eyes”. Hagar had been abused, rejected and abandoned. But, Genesis 16:7-11 – the angel of the Lord FOUND her, and in verse 13 “And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Thou God seest me:” Being seen by God gave Hagar the strength to obey, get back up and change her direction. Do you recognize that the same God of Hagar sees YOU?
Another beautiful testimony of a woman being seen is the woman with the issue of blood in the New Testament. This example is so important to God that He chose to share it 3 different times!
Matthew 9:22 “But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.”
Mark 5:32 & 34 “And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.” “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Luke 8:47-48 “And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”
This woman wasn't asking to be seen, she wasn't looking for recognition, her name wasn't even recorded, all she came to Jesus for was healing, however, He gave her so much more. He called her "Daughter". He shared with her so much more than physical healing, He gave her the dearest title of a child. He truly saw her.
Friend, if you've received Him as your Saviour, we hold that dear title as well. I encourage you today to claim the beautiful truth - He sees you! When the lies, hurts, discouragement is heavy, temptation is raging – repeat out loud and within yourself – “Thou God seest me.” It’s powerful!
Then go out and PURPOSE to see others. Look for the gold God has put within those around us, and tell them! Make the effort. In purposing to help others recognize their value, we will help them to know they are seen by our God. “To the world you may be one person’ but to one person you may be the world” is a quote we should remember often. Most importantly, share your “Thou God seest me” testimony with the unsaved. Let them know that they too can be seen, saved, and their eternity changed forever!