God knows, God cares

"I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free! His eye is on the sparrow; and I know He watches me. His eye is on the sparrow; and I know He watches me." - "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" by Civilla D. Martin

There were ten years between the time God first promised to make Abram a great nation and Sarai becoming impatient and taking matters into her own hands. Enter Hagar, Sarai's servant. Genesis 16 takes us through jealousy, anger, pride, and fear between these 2 women. But God! When the situation became too difficult, and Hagar runs away, God speaks to Hagar telling her to go back and submit to Sarai. But she's also told that she will have more descendants than she can count. After this encounter with God, we read,

"13 She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.'" (Gen. 16:13)

Fast forward to Genesis 21. Sarai, now Sarah, has finally had the son God promised, but the continued presence of jealousy, anger, pride and fear are reminders of the consequences (wages) of our unrepentant sin. This time Hagar is sent away by Abraham at Sarah's request. And again, God speaks to Hagar, telling her not to be afraid, and reminding her of God's promise to make a great nation of her son. Then God "opened her eyes" so she could see that all was not hopeless.

God did not favor one woman over the other - both were precious to God, and God sought to provide for both women (and their children). God is not intimidated by our circumstances - even those caused by our own sin. And God is interested in the details of our lives. We can count on God's love, care and provision. May God open our eyes to see it!

"29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matt. 10:29-31)

“'Let not your heart be troubled,' His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;"

- "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" by Civilla D. Martin