As I’ve been reading through Genesis, the contrast between Abraham’s and Hagar’s faith stands out to me.

Abraham is the one God called. The one who received the promises. The one remembered for his faith.

Yet Hagar seems to be the one who experiences God most personally.

She meets God in the wilderness. God sees her. God hears her. God speaks to her. She even gives God a name: “The God who sees me.” (Genesis 16)

Meanwhile, Abraham often seems to spend years simply waiting. Trusting. Wondering. Hoping. He also makes many concerning decisions along the way!

It reminds me that God does not deal with everyone in the same way.

Some people experience God through powerful moments. Others experience Him through quiet perseverance. Some have dramatic stories. Others have long seasons of ordinary faithfulness.

Neither path is necessarily better.

The goal is not to have someone else’s experience of God. The goal is to walk faithfully with the God who is already meeting us where we are.

Hagar met God in the wilderness.

Abraham met God on the journey.

Both were seen. Both were heard. Both were known.

And so are we.