When Life Changes: Finding God in Unfamiliar Places

Life is full of transitions that can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Whether you’re moving to a new place, starting a new school, or facing unexpected changes, these moments can leave us feeling lost and alone. But there’s hope in knowing that God sees us, goes with us, and provides for us even in the most unfamiliar circumstances.

The Story of Hagar and Ishmael: A Lesson in Divine Provision

The biblical account of Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 21 provides a powerful example of how God meets us in our wilderness moments. After being sent away from Abraham’s household, Hagar found herself wandering in the desert with her young son, facing an impossible situation with no food or water.

When their supplies ran out and death seemed imminent, Hagar placed Ishmael under a bush and sat down about a hundred yards away, unable to watch her child die. In that moment of desperation, she cried out to God. The scripture tells us that “God heard the boy crying” and responded with provision and hope.

What Does It Mean That God Sees You?

God Notices When Others Overlook You

Hagar was a servant who was often mistreated and overlooked by people, yet she became the first person in scripture to receive a divine visitation from the angel of the Lord. This reveals something profound about God’s character – He sees those who feel invisible to others.

El Roi: The God Who Sees Me

Hagar called God “El Roi,” which means “the God who sees me” – not just “the God who sees us,” but specifically “me.” This personal recognition shows that God’s attention isn’t general or distant; it’s intimate and individual. He sees your specific struggles, fears, and hopes.

God’s Vision Isn’t Limited by Location

When life shifts and you find yourself in new environments, God’s ability to see and care for you doesn’t diminish. His eyes follow His children wherever they go, whether across town or across the country.

How Does God Go With You in New Seasons?

God Meets You in Multiple Transitions

Hagar encountered God twice – once when she ran away and again when she was sent away. Both times occurred in the wilderness, in places she didn’t want to be. This shows us that wilderness experiences aren’t places of abandonment but places of divine encounter.

The Wilderness as a Place of Meeting God

Sometimes our most difficult transitions become the very places where we experience God most powerfully. The unfamiliar territory that feels scary can become sacred ground where we meet God in new ways.

God Travels Ahead of You

When you leave familiar environments – whether it’s a home, school, or community – God doesn’t stay behind. He goes ahead of you, surrounds you, and prepares the way. The same God who was with you in your previous season will be with you in your new one.

How Does God Provide in Unfamiliar Places?

Provision in the Desert

When Hagar ran out of water and faced death in the desert, God opened her eyes to see a well that was already there. The provision existed before she could see it – she just needed divine revelation to recognize it.

God Provides What You Need, When You Need It

God’s provision often comes at the moment of greatest need, not necessarily when we first ask for it. His timing is perfect, even when it feels like He’s cutting it close.

The Greatest Provision in Unexpected Places

Sometimes the most significant blessings and opportunities come from the places we least expect them. God doesn’t need ideal conditions or familiar surroundings to bless you – He can provide abundantly in any environment.

What Should You Do When Facing Transitions?

Cry Out to God

Like Hagar and Ishmael, don’t hesitate to call out to God in your moments of uncertainty and fear. He hears the cries of His children, regardless of their age or circumstances.

Ask God to Open Your Eyes

Sometimes the resources, opportunities, and support you need are already present – you just need God to help you see them. Pray for spiritual vision to recognize His provision.

Trust That God Has Gone Ahead

Have confidence that God has already prepared people, opportunities, and protection in your new environment. He’s not scrambling to figure out how to help you – He’s already made arrangements.

Life Application

This week, identify one area of your life where you’re facing uncertainty or transition. Instead of focusing on what you’re leaving behind or what you don’t know about the future, practice saying “Lord, give me You” in that situation. Trust that God sees your specific circumstances, is already present in your new season, and has provision waiting for you.

Ask yourself these questions:

• In what areas of my life do I need to trust that God sees me, even when I feel overlooked?

• How can I recognize God’s presence in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations?

• What “wells” might God want to open my eyes to see in my current circumstances?

• How can I support others who are going through transitions, knowing that God goes with them?

 

Remember that even when life shifts dramatically, God shifts with you. He is El Roi – the God who sees you – and He will guide you through every new season with the same faithfulness He showed Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness.