Friday Fight 261: Our God Who Sees

Every Friday morning, during my quiet time with the Lord, He faithfully places something on my heart that speaks to the subtle, internal battles many of us face. This is Friday Fight 261.

Have you ever taken a detour that did not make sense? Maybe you’ve taken a different route to work or gone the long way around only to realize later that God placed you right in front of someone who needed encouragement. What feels random in the moment may actually be setting the stage for something greater.

Our God Who Sees

A few weeks ago, I was on my way to work when I felt led to pass my turn and stop at a convenience store I rarely visit. It didn’t make sense to me. Yet, over the years, I have learned that when God interrupts your routine, it is always purposeful.

Being short on time due to a work meeting, I quickly parked, prayed, and went inside. I couldn’t find what I was supposedly looking for, so I decided to grab a drink I like. I went to check out, and the payment machine didn't work. The woman helping me smiled and said, “It’s okay, love.” I immediately felt that God had arranged this moment, because I call everyone “love.” This woman was kind, attentive, and intentional, even taking time to check her phone and direct me to a store across the street that carried the drink I was looking for. I still knew nothing about my visit as I returned to my car.

After I left, the Holy Spirit asked me a simple question:

“How did she make you feel?”

I realized I felt seen and heard—like I mattered. And just as clearly, I felt Him respond:

“That’s how I want her to feel—but she doesn’t.” His instructions were clear: share His love with a gift card for what she needs.

At that moment, everything became clear. I wasn’t there for a drink—I already had what I needed. I was there for her. In Genesis 16:13 (NLT), Hagar calls God El Roi—“the God who sees me.” And sometimes, the way God shows people He sees them… is by sending you.

Over the next week, I felt led to go back, share what God had placed on my heart, and give her a gift card. The day before Easter, my friend and I prayed and returned to walk out God’s plan. I wasn’t sure she would remember me, but when we walked in, I was able to share what God had spoken. Standing before others, I explained the detour and reminded her that God sees her and loves her. She began to cry.

I asked if she went to church and told her I was a pastor. She didn’t need a sermon—she needed confirmation. She needed to know she was seen by God. It deeply blessed all of us to witness what God was doing in her heart.

That moment taught me something: God will interrupt your path to reach someone else’s heart. What feels like an inconvenience is often an assignment. What feels small or confusing can become deeply significant. She was excited to celebrate her upcoming birthday.

The following week, another friend—unaware of this encounter—sent me money with a note: “For your ministry.” It was a quiet but powerful reminder that when you carry the heart of God to others, He makes sure you are seen, too.

On Easter, I received a text from another pastor in our network, sharing that she and her husband attended church. This pastor relayed a message to me that she felt seen and loved by God.

Two different moments. Same God. One message: El Roi, The God Who Sees Me.

You may not always understand the detour or see the reason right away. Don’t wait for clarity, just surrender. If God sends you, even in small, inconvenient moments, it’s because someone needs what He placed inside of you. Don’t ignore the detour. It might be someone else’s proof that God sees them.

If you wish to support this ministry, please donate here:

https://newlifecv.churchcenter.com/giving/to/god-s-first-responders

In His Grace,

Pastor Shannon

River Church