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Seen in the Wilderness: Finding God in Liminal Spaces

 


Life is full of transitions—those in-between moments when we’ve left behind what was, but we’re not yet sure what’s ahead. These liminal spaces—places of waiting and uncertainty—can feel unsettling. Yet, they are also sacred spaces where God meets us, speaks to us, and gently leads us forward.

 

One of the most powerful examples of encountering God in a liminal space is the story of Hagar in Genesis 16. She is pregnant, alone, and fleeing mistreatment, unsure of what the future holds. In this vulnerable moment, she finds herself in the wilderness, and it is there—at her most desperate—that God meets her. But instead of offering immediate solutions, He asks a question:

 

"Where have you come from, and where are you going?"

 

This is not just a question of geography; it is one of identity and purpose. God doesn’t ask to condemn her, but to invite her into reflection, healing, and a renewed sense of direction. In this moment, Hagar gives God a name—El Roi, "the God who sees me."

 

Like Hagar, we, too, find ourselves in seasons of transition. Lent is one of those sacred spaces—a time set apart to strip away distractions and refocus our hearts on God. It is a season of asking deep, reflective questions:


  • Where have I come from?
  • Where am I going?
  • What do I need to release to step into what God has for me?

 

Lent calls us to be present in the wilderness, not rush through it. It is in this space of surrender that we, like Hagar, realize we are seen. Even when answers don’t come right away, God is near. He knows our journey, and He is leading us, step by step, into something new.


REFLECTION: 

Take a deep breath and close your eyes for a moment. Imagine yourself in a vast wilderness. What do you see? What do you feel? Is it a dry desert? A quiet, open space? Now, picture yourself standing there—what burdens are you carrying? What questions weigh on your heart?

 

As you sit in this space, know that God sees you. He is not distant; He is right there with you. Listen—what is He saying to you? What is He inviting you to let go of?


The wilderness is not the end of your story. It is the place where transformation begins. And just as Hagar’s path did not end in despair, neither will yours. God is leading you toward something new.

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