232. What if You Are Not as Unseen as You Feel?

As we step into a brand new year, this episode of Encouragement for Real Life meets the quiet, tender places many of us carry into January. While the world celebrates fresh starts and big resolutions, Julie gently acknowledges a different reality—weariness, grief, disappointment, unanswered prayers, or the lingering feeling of being unseen.

This episode launches a new January series, Stories I Come Back To, beginning with the powerful biblical story of Hagar from Genesis 16 and 21. Hagar’s life took a painful turn she never chose. Used, overlooked, and driven into the wilderness, she found herself alone, afraid, and uncertain of what came next. And yet, in that very place, God met her.

Julie walks through how the angel of the Lord found Hagar in the wilderness, called her by name, and acknowledged her pain. In response, Hagar gave God a name: “The God who sees me.” Years later, she faced the wilderness again with her son. As she believed all hope was lost, God met her once more. This time opening her eyes to see a well that had been there all along.

Through Hagar’s story, Julie reminds us that being seen by God doesn’t mean our circumstances instantly change. It does mean, however, that we are never alone in them. God sees what others miss. He sees us in seasons of invisibility, faithfulness, exhaustion, and quiet obedience.

What if you are not as unseen as you feel?

This episode invites you to reflect on your own “wilderness” seasons. Whether emotional, relational, spiritual, or circumstantial. And to consider this gentle truth: What if you are not as unseen as you feel?

As the year begins, this conversation offers reassurance, prayer, and hope for anyone longing to know that their life, their pain, and their presence truly matter. Your story isn’t over. God sees you—and He is still writing your story.

Click on the player above to listen to the full 20-minute episode.