Have you ever sat around watching everyone thrive? They seem to have wealth, are talented in some way, they have found their place and have purpose in the world. And yet you sit there wondering why you feel so invisible and useless. Maybe you feel like Hagar, unseen and left behind. Joseph, the man with a coat of many colors, was hated and despised by his brothers because of his dreams that they beat him and sold him into slavery. Maybe Moses is relatable because you struggle with speaking the right words or speaking at all. There are a number of people in the Bible that feel unseen, Ruth, Peter, Paul and even our savior Jesus Christ.

So often we think we are the only ones that feel invisible, unseen, unappreciated, unaccepted, useless. We look around at our lives and see the failures, the downfalls, the shortcomings. We think no one loves us, no one sees us, no one cares. Yet that notion could not be any farther from the truth. Someone does see you, someone does love you, and cares for you! Take for example, Hagar. A woman who was used in plan that was not her own, a purpose that was not of Gods. Once she conceived a child, as her mistress had wanted, she was cast aside and sent away. The bond between them had been tainted, broken. Yet Hagar found God in the mist of isolation.
Genesis 16:13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-are-the-God-who-sees: for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?”
This came after God came to her and blessed her and her son Ishmael. It was a moment of clarity for her that even in the wilderness she was seen and important enough for God to come to her.

There are so many stories in the Bible of men and women who are met in the darkest, loneliest moments of their lives by God. Hannah, Rachel, Job, the woman with the issue of blood, the woman at the well. All stories of people feeling as though they had been abandoned, lost, alone, as if no one cared for them. No one was standing around applauding their accomplishments. No one supported them during their difficult and trying times. Often these people were met with criticism and judgement. People cast them away never giving them the opportunity to shine. Yet those very same people were used by God in extraordinary ways. Why? Because God has a plan, a purpose and each moment of our lives is for His glory and honor, even the hard times.
2 Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

How important are we to God? The answer to that question is so easy to find in the Bible, yet it’s so astoundingly amazing that sometimes we don’t comprehend the magnitude of that answer. Compound that with Satan’s lies that you are worthless and useless, that you don’t matter and are unlovable and we find ourselves spiraling unable to understand the depth of God’s love for us.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Matthew 10:30-31 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Could you imagine taking someone you love dearly, your only child, and offering them as a sacrifice to save someone. Now let’s add that those someone’s you are saving, half of them don’t even like you, or believe you exist. Some of those people gleefully hammered each nail into your son’s hands and feet, mocked him and spat on him after beating him to nearly death. The love you would have to have for a creation that mocks you and goes against you to offer salvation through your son.

There are many verses that tell us how much God loves us, that reassure us that He is with us, that He sees us, that He is always with us, that we are valuable and there is a purpose and a plan for our lives.
Isaiah 49:16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before me.
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to five you a future and hope.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

So when you feel invisible, when you feel weak, when you feel like nothing is going your way, just remember that God is with you, He goes before you, He is your defender, your rock, your fortress, He has a plan for you and He sees you and loves you so very deeply. You are not invisible!

I pray each of you during your times of struggle in the darkest corners of your battles, in the moments where you feel helpless and lost, in the hour of despair and desperation that you remember God knew you first, he knows every hair on your head, He has a plan and purpose for you and that in your weakest moments His strength will be made perfect.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, ” My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
As we live a Jesus filled life we are not promised to live it without trials, struggles, sorrow, and feelings of loneliness. But fear not for Jesus Christ suffered with and for us. We have a loving God who did promise us peace in times of trouble. Trusting in the Lord and remembering that we are not invisible, we are seen, we are loved can get us through anything. May your lives be blessed by God’s strength, peace, wisdom and love. With love always!