Have you ever thought about how differently your life might look if you saw yourself the way God does? It’s a crazy thought! This past weekend, Tamika Simmons’ message Sawubona, I See You reminded us that when God sees us, He sees our purpose, our potential, and our future. But here’s the kicker—He doesn’t just see us like that for fun. He sees us that way so we can step into our purpose and live it out.

In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That’s right! God sees the bigger picture for our lives, even when we’re stuck in the day-to-day grind. Tamika talked about how, just like Hagar in the wilderness, God sees where we are and where we’re headed. He has a plan for each of us—whether we feel lost, unqualified, or just plain tired.

But here’s the fun part: When you know God sees your potential, you can start living in it. It’s like knowing the answers to the test before you take it! You’re free to walk confidently, knowing that God’s got you. Tamika said, “God doesn’t just see us; He calls us into relationship with Him, and with that relationship comes purpose.” Knowing we have a purpose empowers us to step into our God-given calling, no matter how big or small it seems.

The challenge for all of us is to stop doubting ourselves and start trusting that God has already equipped us for what lies ahead. It’s time to embrace the purpose He sees in us.

Reflection Questions:

1. What purpose do you think God has called you to? Are you walking in it?
2. How can you start trusting God’s plan for your life, even when it’s unclear?
3. What’s one step you can take today to live more confidently in the purpose God has for you?

Let’s pray: Lord, thank You for seeing my potential and calling me to a purpose. Help me to live confidently in the plan You have for my life, even when I can’t see the whole picture. Show me how to trust You with my future and take bold steps toward the purpose You’ve created for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.

We all know someone who tests our patience. Maybe it’s a co-worker who’s always negative, or a family member who just knows how to push your buttons. But what if we started seeing these people the way Jesus does? This weekend, Tamika Simmons’ message Sawubona, I See You challenged us to look beyond the surface and see the treasure in others.

In Luke 19:1-10, we meet Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was pretty much despised by everyone. He wasn’t someone people wanted to hang out with. But when Jesus saw him, He didn’t just see a crooked tax man—He saw someone with value. Jesus called out to Zacchaeus and went to his house, treating him with respect and kindness. The result? Zacchaeus’ life was transformed.

Tamika reminded us that, like Jesus, we’re called to see the whole person. “It’s easy to look at someone and only see their faults, but Jesus saw Zacchaeus and knew he was capable of change. He saw his potential.” What if we started doing the same? What if we made an effort to see past someone’s mistakes or annoying habits, and instead saw their potential? That’s when real transformation happens, both in their lives and in ours.

It might sound difficult, but imagine what could change in our relationships if we looked at people through the lens of love and grace. It’s not about excusing bad behavior, but about believing that everyone has worth, even when it’s hard to see.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who is someone in your life that you find difficult to love? How might you begin to see them the way Jesus does?
2. How can you practice looking past people’s faults and seeing their potential?
3. What relationships in your life could be transformed if you started seeing the treasure in others?

Let’s pray: Lord, help me to see others the way You do. Give me the grace to look past mistakes, annoyances, and flaws, and see the value You’ve placed in every person. Help me to be an agent of love and transformation in my relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.

Have you ever had that moment when someone really sees you—not just your face, but they notice your effort, your struggles, and your heart? It’s a powerful feeling. This weekend, Tamika Simmons’ message Sawubona, I See You reminded us just how life-changing it can be when we are seen and valued.

In John 1:43-51, we see an incredible encounter between Jesus and Nathanael. Jesus says to Nathanael, “I saw you under the fig tree.” Just one sentence, but it completely changes Nathanael’s life! He realizes that Jesus didn’t just see him physically; He knew him intimately. Tamika shared how Nathanael’s story reminds us that when God sees us, it’s not just about our outward appearance, but the whole of who we are.

It’s funny how sometimes we walk through life craving to be noticed. Maybe it’s a “like” on social media or recognition from someone we respect. But the truth is, being seen by God is the ultimate recognition. The Creator of the universe sees you, knows you, and calls you by name. That’s next-level validation!

Tamika pointed out that this kind of divine seeing brings healing and restoration. Just like Nathanael, when we realize that God sees us, it can spark something inside of us—a sense of purpose, of belonging, of worth.

Reflection Questions:

1. When was the last time you felt truly seen by someone? How did it make you feel?
2. How does knowing that God sees you intimately change the way you view your relationship with Him?
3. What steps can you take to remind yourself that God sees you, even on your worst days?

Let’s pray: Lord, thank You for seeing me—not just the outside, but all of me. Help me to live in the confidence that I am known and loved by You. Open my eyes to see the people around me who feel unseen, and show me how to encourage them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.

Have you ever lost your phone only to realize it was in your hand the whole time? It happens to the best of us! Sometimes the most important things are right in front of us, and we just don’t see them. This past weekend, Tamika Simmons’ message Sawubona, I See You reminded us that we often miss seeing the treasure—both in ourselves and in others.

In Genesis 16, Hagar felt invisible and worthless. But in that moment, God didn’t just see her physical presence; He saw her value. He spoke promises into her life that would change her future. Tamika put it perfectly: “God is the only God with the ability to have a personal relationship, to meet every personal and emotional need related to being seen.” Imagine that! The Creator of the universe sees you and all the potential you carry.

What about us? How often do we look at ourselves and only see the flaws? Or look at others and only see what annoys us? We’re walking around like treasure hunters, but the treasure is in plain sight. When God sees us, He doesn’t just see our mistakes or our struggles. He sees the person He created us to be—full of purpose, hope, and value.

So how do we start seeing the treasure? Maybe it starts by slowing down, looking beyond the surface, and asking God to help us see ourselves and others through His eyes.

Reflection Questions:

1. What do you think God sees when He looks at you?
2. How can you start seeing the hidden value in people around you?
3. What’s one way you can show someone today that they are valued and seen?

Let’s pray: Lord, thank You for seeing the treasure in me when I can’t see it myself. Help me to see beyond my flaws and failures, and recognize the value You’ve placed in me and in others. Give me the grace to see through Your eyes today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call to Action: Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.

Have you ever had one of those days where it feels like you could disappear and no one would notice? Maybe you’re at work, home, or even hanging out with friends, and it’s like you’re just… there. Ever felt like that? Well, you’re not alone! This past weekend, Tamika Simmons shared a powerful message called Sawubona, I See You, and it really hit home for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or undervalued.

Now, imagine being Hagar in the book of Genesis. She’s caught up in this big, messy situation that wasn’t even her fault, and she ends up running away, totally alone in the wilderness. Talk about feeling invisible! But here’s where it gets good—God sees her. Right there, in the middle of nowhere, God meets her. And not only does He see her, He speaks directly to her, telling her, “I see you, Hagar. I know where you’ve been, and I know where you’re going.”

What Tamika reminded us this weekend is that God doesn’t just see the surface. He doesn’t just see what we’re wearing, how well we’re performing, or what we’ve failed at today. He sees all of us—our struggles, our wins, and even the stuff we’re too scared to tell anyone. Just like with Hagar, He’s right there with us, seeing the whole picture.

And here’s where it gets real: When you know that God sees you, it changes everything. It’s like being picked first for the team after always being picked last. It’s empowering, comforting, and, let’s be honest, a bit of a game-changer.

Tamika dropped some wisdom when she said, “The Lord saw her… He saw that she was caught up in something that in the beginning was not her doing.” And yet, He still cared, He still met her, and He still gave her hope for the future.

So, here’s the big question: Do you know that God sees you? And not just the “put-together” version of you, but the real you? Take a moment to think about that. How does knowing that change the way you approach your day?

Reflection Questions:

1. When was the last time you felt unseen or overlooked? How did that affect you?
2. What would change if you truly believed that God sees and values every part of who you are?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God is seeing you and your struggles?

Let’s pray: Lord, thank You for seeing me. Even when I feel invisible or unworthy, You remind me that I matter. Help me to see myself the way You do, and help me to trust that You are with me in every moment, good and bad. Show me how to see others the way You see them, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Call to Action:
Consider sharing this devotional with someone who might need encouragement today. Check out the podcast replay of this message on your favorite podcast platform. Search for “CITCBA Insights” today. You can listen at churchinthecity.org/podcasts. And if you’re in the area, join us at Church in the City for one of our services. Our Saturday service at 10 a.m. has a Messianic theme, and our Sunday contemporary service starts at 10:45 a.m. Church in the City began as an outreach in the early 80s and became a church in 1991, dedicated to reflecting Christ in our community and the world.