A Prayer for When You Really feel Misunderstood
By Christine Perry

“She gave this identify to the LORD who spoke to her: “You’re the God who sees me,” for she stated, “I’ve now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13 NIV

Only a few issues harm worse than being misunderstood, particularly when the one who misunderstands is somebody very near you. Each time I face a state of affairs like this, I need to get defensive. I need to clarify myself.

There was one other girl named Hagar, whose “function” was misunderstood. After being taken benefit of, she was wrongly mistreated. The worst half about it, she was not even given a selection within the matter. She was a slave. She had no voice.

Abram and Sarai (later often known as Abraham and Sarah) have been Hagar’s masters. Since Sarah was barren, she determined to take issues into her personal palms and provides Hagar to her husband. Earlier than I proceed the story, I would like us all to remember the fact that God continues to be sovereign over our selections. God may have prevented Hagar from being pregnant, as He’s the One who opens and closes wombs (1 Samuel 1:6). Nonetheless, God allowed Hagar to get pregnant.

Genesis 16:4b-6 reveals to us what occurs subsequent:

“When she [Hagar] knew she was pregnant, she started to despise her mistress. Then Sarai [Sarah] stated to Abram, “You’re accountable for the improper I’m struggling. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she is aware of she is pregnant, she despises me. Could the LORD decide between you and me.”

“Your slave is in your palms,” Abram stated. “Do together with her no matter you assume finest.” Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.”

Regardless of this hurtful state of affairs, the Lord makes use of this tragedy to point out Himself not solely to Hagar but additionally to us. She says to the Lord, “You’re the God who sees me.” No matter misunderstanding happens in your life, keep in mind that God shouldn’t be solely the One who sees You but additionally the One who can defend You. Pastor Chuck Swindoll as soon as stated, “God is a specialist at making one thing helpful and exquisite out of one thing damaged and confused.”

Hagar is only one of many who have been misunderstood. Noah was mocked for constructing a ship. Joseph was mislabeled as a rapist. David was considered as a menace. Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for revolt. And Jesus was killed for not being acknowledged for who He claimed to be — the Son of God. No matter chances are you’ll be going by means of, you’ll be able to take coronary heart figuring out that there have been many within the Bible who have been misunderstood and mistreated due to it. Though your state of affairs could also be extremely exhausting and painful, your story shouldn’t be over. God shouldn’t be completed but.

Let’s pray:

Pricey Heavenly Father,
I come earlier than You humbly and confess that I’ve, at instances, misunderstood You. You all the time have my finest in thoughts, and but the circumstances I’m dealing with are tough, difficult, and heartbreaking. Lord, I ask for larger grace to have the ability to deal with the conditions You might have positioned me in. Father, I ask for knowledge in terms of being misunderstood. I ask that You assist me to not take it personally. I ask that You’ll assist me see from the opposite particular person’s standpoint — maybe an angle I can’t see. Not solely do You see me and my coronary heart, You additionally see the opposite particular person’s coronary heart.

Would You give me the knowledge to know if I ought to tackle this misunderstanding or not? I ask that if I’m to stay quiet, that You’ll battle for me. And if I’m supposed to talk up, that You’ll fill my mouth with the phrases You need me to say. In the end, I ask that by means of this case, I’d come to know You higher and that You’ll assist me to develop into extra like You. Lord, thank You for Your endurance, kindness, and mercy with me. I don’t deserve it, however I’m deeply grateful for it. Lord, I like You; assist me to like You extra.
In Jesus’ identify, amen!

Picture credit score: ©GettyImages/Tommaso79

Christine is only a woman who was given the present of being raised in an unbelievable household. For causes unknown to her, God has blessed her with an incredible life full of gorgeous friendships, exceptional experiences, and a love from Him that’s utterly underserved. She wishes to encourage others and share hope as we journey by means of the highs and lows of life. Christine is the creator of How I Met Peace and For the Weary Life Traveler, a 31-day devotional. Take a look at extra of Christine’s work at her web site:  Studying to be fearless and her Patreon.

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