Hagar’s story, found in Genesis 16 and 21, is one of resilience, heartache, and, ultimately, hope. She wasn’t in an ideal situation.

As an Egyptian servant in Abram and Sarai’s household, she was thrust into a messy dynamic. Sarai’s impatience with God’s promise of a child led her to give Hagar to Abram to conceive a child on her behalf. (pause.. WHAT?! I am really glad that we do not live in those times anymore. shew) When Hagar became pregnant, tension erupted, and Sarai’s harsh treatment caused Hagar to flee into the desert. Can you imagine how alone and scared she must have felt? Pregnant, rejected, and wandering in the wilderness with no clear plan.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed as a mom, Hagar’s story might feel surprisingly relatable. There are moments in motherhood when we wonder if anyone truly sees how much we’re carrying. The sleepless nights, the emotional labor, the constant pouring out of ourselves for our kids—it’s easy to feel invisible. But just like Hagar, we are not alone.

In the middle of her despair, Hagar encountered the angel of the Lord. He called her by name, asked her where she was coming from and where she was going (Genesis 16:7-8), and gave her a promise: "You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery" (Genesis 16:11). Hagar’s response was profound. She gave God a name: El Roi, which means “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). She realized that even in her most desperate moment, she was not invisible to God. He saw her pain, her struggles, and her future.

Isn’t that a beautiful reminder for moms today? God sees you. He sees the nights you stay up worrying about your children. He sees the sacrifices you make. He sees the love you pour into your family, even when it feels like no one else notices. Like Hagar, you can hold on to the truth that you are seen and known by the One who created you.

There are seasons where I also have felt unseen and forgotten by people, but also by God. I was launched into motherhood at the beginning/height of Covid. A time where everyone was isolating and in fear. A time where I needed community the most; especially with a premature, NICU baby. I was afraid, in physical pain from an emergency c-section, and having to do it alone was not ideal. I was angry with God and just wanted to enjoy the gift HE gave us. Looking back now, I can see that this was God's way of giving me some purpose, a passion for motherhood in ministry. The truth is, as moms, we NEED community. I felt firsthand the emptiness and loneliness of not having that. I have been on a mission to help other moms not feel that.

We can get so wrapped up in the details, the chaos, and the emotions of things that we often forget to zoom out. Having friends of faith to pull you out of the internal battle and remind you to focus on God is invaluable. The reminder that I am seen, I am not forgotten, and the battle has already been won is what we need in motherhood, no matter the situation we are in.

Hagar’s story also reminds us that motherhood, while challenging, is full of purpose. God gave Hagar a promise about her son Ishmael, saying he would become the father of a great nation (Genesis 16:10). Sometimes, in the day-to-day grind of motherhood, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. But just as God had a plan for Hagar and Ishmael, He has a plan for you and your children. Your role as a mom is part of something greater than you can see right now.

And let’s not forget the second time Hagar found herself in the wilderness, this time with her young son. When their water ran out, she cried out to God, overwhelmed and afraid. God responded by opening her eyes to a well of water (Genesis 21:19), providing exactly what she needed at that moment. This reminds us that God not only sees us but also provides for us. But, it goes both ways. We want God to see us, to hear us, to give us what we need, but we need to call on him. He wants us to reach out to him, to not forget him.

So what can we, as moms today, learn from Hagar? Here are a few takeaways:

1. God sees you. Even when you feel unnoticed, unappreciated, or completely spent, God is with you. You are never invisible to Him.

2. Your role as a mom has eternal significance. Just as God had a plan for Hagar’s son, He has a purpose for your children and your role in their lives.

3. God provides what you need. When you’re in a wilderness season, physically or emotionally, trust that God will show up. It may not always look like you expect, but His provision is always enough.

4. Ask and you shall receive. God wants us to call on him. To stand at the feet of Jesus.

   
   

Motherhood is a journey, and like Hagar, there will be wilderness moments. But take heart: the same God who saw Hagar sees you. He knows your struggles, He hears your prayers, and He walks with you through every challenge. When you feel overwhelmed, remember Hagar’s words and cling to the truth of El Roi — the God who sees you.

Are you walking through a “wilderness” season right now? How can I pray for you?