''Finding Acceptance with El Roi: The God Who Sees You."

FINDING ACCEPTANCE WITH El Roi: The God Who Sees Me.

Have you ever felt unseen or rejected?

As a young child, I had a life-changing experience during my upper basic school. When the dance and drama group was announced, everyone, including myself, wanted to join.

But during the audition, I didn’t quite fit in. The dance teacher scolded me, and I was rejected from the team.
Then as I became a teenager my classmates criticized me for having dry skin and not meeting their beauty standards, which led me to withdraw from social activities.

Instead, I sought comfort in books, thinking, 'They'll need me now because I’m knowledgeable and intelligent.'

What do you know about the story of Hagar?

Hagar's story is found in Genesis 16:1-16 and 21:8-21.
Hagar was an Egyptian servant or handmaiden to Sarah, Abraham's wife (Genesis 16:1). Her name means "stranger" or "sojourner" in Hebrew.
After being barren till old age Sarah suggested Abraham take Hagar as a concubine to bear him a child. When Hagar became pregnant, her attitude towards Sarah changed which led to a mistreatment from Sarah. In response to Sarah's attitude, she fled to the wilderness.

It was at the wilderness; she encountered an Angel of the Lord (Genesis 16:8-12 NIV)

And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.
Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count. The angel of the Lord also said to her: “You are now pregnant, and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”

It was expected after she heard this from the Angel, she would feel bad based on the news she got about her child, but this point she felt accepted and remembered because what she wanted was to be seen. She heard always felt like a pawn in Sarah's scheme to have a child outside God's plan but at the point, She said ''I have now seen a God who sees me'' At this point she affirms that I was never forget I am part of God's plan. It was at that moment she named God as "El Roi," the God who sees me.

In Genesis 21:14-19, we see God's compassion and kindness toward Hagar:
"And God heard the voice of the lad... 'What troubles, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is" (Genesis 21:17, NASB).

Hagar's story reminds us that God's love isn't based on our achievements or status. No matter your circumstances, no matter how the world sees you, remember that El Roi sees you with love, acceptance, and compassion. You are never forgotten or abandoned by God.
God sees and accepts us, regardless of our past or circumstances.
His love is unconditional and not based on our achievements.
We have a place in His heart, and He desires a relationship with us.
If you’ve felt overlooked or rejected, take a moment today to connect with El Roi.
The God who has a place for you.
Let Him remind you of your worth and his unconditional love.


YOU ARE SEEN, YOU ARE VALUED, AND YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.

Turning the world Right-side Up.

Turning the World Right-Side Up 

I had one aspiration while growing up, that was to be a super star. After watching Hannah Montana I just felt they would be my own spot on the lime light. 

Well I didn't know how my superstar self would be birth but I also wanted to turn my own world upside down. I wanted to manifest just like I had seen it done in walt Disney. 

At some point, we've all asked ourselves: 

"How can I turn my world upside down?" But have we ever stopped to consider what this phrase truly means? 

God provides an answer to this in Psalm 146:9, stating, "The way of the wicked He turns upside down." If God reserves upside-down turns for the wicked, what hope do His children have?

The answer lies in the New Testament, where the apostles were referred to as "those who have turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6). 

How can one phrase represent chaos and destruction in one verse and that same phrase in another verse represents salvation, transformation and redemption. 

 Paul and Silas' bold preaching of faith and transforming God's people is depicted in this verse.Acts 17:6 - "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. 

It's not about turning a properly fitted world upside down but taking bold steps to turn it right-side up.

God's Agents for Transformation

As believers, we are God's agents for putting a topsy-turvy world upright. Our role is to bring light to darkness. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." Believers shine as stars, while unbelievers are like black holes, absorbing light.

As believers to turn the world upside down you should;

1. Shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15)
2. Stand firm in our faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
3.  Share the Gospel of Christ boldly (Acts 4:29)
4. Trust in God's sovereignty (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Turning the world right-side up requires you exercising a bold faith, unwavering trust, and a willingness to shine God's light. As His agents, we can transform our world, one step at a time.

Being agents of light is not about us. It’s about God and His love for everyone. Even those who are difficult to love. 

God wants to partner with people who can use whatever they are and represent to turn their world to him, while trusting Him that He knows what He is doing.  He is ever present and ready to help us turn our worlds upside down to his glory. 

Do you want that kind of partnership with God now? 

Psalm 6, For those who seek Victory over Pain.

Finding Comfort in Times of Despair

She reached out to me, tears streaming down her face. "Does God really care about me?" was her desperate cry. It had been over a year since graduation, and the rejection emails kept piling up.

The Reality of Suffering

The book of Psalms is filled with laments and sorrow. This shouldn't surprise us, given what David went through. As a king, he faced triumph and battles where he needed God's help constantly. His experiences remind us that life is messy and painful.

The Psalmist's Cry

When challenges come, we often forget to praise and focus on the issue. We get caught up in our emotions and struggles. But David's story shows us that even in the darkest moments, there is hope. As 2 Corinthians 7:5 says, "For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn - fighting without and fear within." In those times, we tend to send prayers of healing, deliverance, and restoration, seeking relief from our struggles.

Dialogues in the Hole

The book of Psalms holds dialogues that stem from our "hole moments," moments of despair and sorrow. Yet, they're all crowned with praise. David, despite his struggles, always said, "I will bless the Lord, for He is good, and His mercies endure forever." He knew that even in the darkest times, God's presence was his only hope.

Have You Ever Felt This Way?

Have you ever felt lost and isolated, like you're stuck in a hole? That feeling of confinement, limiting your movement, is a universal symbol of life's challenging seasons. You're not alone. We all experience those dark moments, and it's okay to question God's presence and faithfulness.

A Cry for Help

In those moments, conversations start - dialogues in the hole, moments where we question God's ability to "see us." Psalm 6 is one of the penitential psalms that shows David's laments and cry for help in times of chaos and trouble. David poured out his heart, saying:

1 "Please, God, no more yelling, no more trips to the woodshed."

2 "Treat me nice for a change; I'm so starved for affection. Can't you see I'm black and blue, and soul?"

3 "God, how long will it take for you to let up?"

Yet, in verse 8, David declares, "The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will accept my prayer." This sudden change in tone is remarkable.

Triumph in Pain

David's confidence in God's comfort is inspiring. Despite his struggles, he knew that times of laments are seasons that pass in life. It's in those troubles that we gain strength for our spiritual sanity. By exercising his faith, David moved from darkness to light, from disorientation to orientation.

David's story teaches us that it's okay to be God's child and be in despair, in a hole. But that's not where it ends. We should take our feelings to God in prayer. David's song was a heartfelt invitation to trust in God's care and presence.

God's Invitation

In our darkest moments, God supplies our every need, including comfort in despair. He is our ever-present help. Will you say yes to Him today?

Dealing with fear and God's provision for our assignments: Moses.

When Fear Comes Knocking, What Do You Do?

Have you ever been scared? When fear knocks at your door, what do you do?

Some time ago, I heard a story about a man who wanted to start a film production ministry. For his first project, he needed financial support, so he invited all of his wealthy friends, expecting they would contribute to his opening ceremony. There were things he wanted to sort out, and he needed the funds to make it happen. To his surprise, when his friends and even his sister whom he believed that even if no one else gives, my sister works in an oil company She will give, when they showed up, none of them gave him a single dime for the project. He was angry and confused. After reflecting on it, he realized the root of his disappointment: he had placed his trust in the help of men to make the realization of an assignment given by God to come to pass, instead of trusting God.

Oftentimes, we say, “I fear nothing. I fear no one. I can do all things through Christ.” But when situations arise that demand boldness, a sudden rush of fear can overwhelm us. It often creeps in unexpectedly and dwells within us in certain circumstances.

So, here's the question: What is the thing God has asked you to do that you are afraid to take on? What is the task God has shown you that you are predestined to accomplish, but you feel there’s no way you can achieve it? Are you scared because you haven’t made room for God’s help in your life?

Moses and His Fear

Moses had an encounter with God when the Lord asked him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses responded, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Ex. 4:10).

God replied, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Ex. 4:11-12).

But Moses continued to resist, saying, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (Ex. 4:13). Moses was afraid of what he had been asked to do. He tried to offer other excuses, saying, “You know I can’t speak—send someone else.” But God insisted that Moses was the one He had chosen for the task.

God Calls the Inadequate

God doesn’t call the capable; He calls the incapable and then empowers them to fulfill the task He has assigned. Moses was afraid. He feared that Pharaoh would kill him, especially since he had killed someone in Egypt earlier. There were many reasons why Moses felt unqualified, but God insisted that Moses was the one He wanted for the job.

God empowered Moses, and he went to Egypt to lead God’s people out of slavery. Throughout the journey, the Lord was with him, guiding and providing.

God’s Provision for Our Assignments

Has God given you an assignment, and you feel that you can’t achieve it? That’s okay—because it’s not meant to be accomplished by your own strength. As it says in Isaiah 41:10:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

It’s not by our own power that we can fulfill the assignments God has given us. We cannot accomplish these tasks on our own. God is present to help us, and He provides the wisdom we need to fulfill His calling. As James 1:5 says:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

When we trust and fully surrender to God, He gives us everything we need to complete the assignment He has set before us.

For everything God has called us to do, the means to achieve it come only from Him. This can only happen when we fully trust in Him.

 Fear not, for you carry a God who brings good tidings of great joy!