January 20, 2011
Genesis 30:1 When Rachel saw that she wasn't having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. She pleaded with Jacob, 'Give me children or I'll die.'"
As we look at Leah and Rachel we see two women who want what the other person has. By the time Rachel pleads with Jacob on account of her barrenness, Leah has already had four children. All Rachel can see is that she has no child to call her own. Leah, on the other hand, has four children who God blessed her with, but all she can see is that she is unloved by her husband. I know that having children was even more desired back then that it is for women these days, so it is understandable Rachel's frustration, and, as a woman, I know that being loved is our number one desire, but when I see Leah and Rachel, I see too much of them in me. Leah missed enjoying her children because her entire focus was on the fact that Jacob didn't love her, and Rachel missed out on spending enjoyable time with her husband who loved her because all she could focus on was her state of barrenness. Countless times I miss out on the blessings God has given me because all I can see is my state of singleness. "When I get married," is my thought of when I'll finally have a full life, but I know, once I am married, if I don't learn how to be content right now, I won't be happy then either. An interesting note is that when Rachel finally was able to have a baby her first words were, "May God add to me another son." I desire to be a content person starting now!
Dear Lord,
All too often I'm like Leah and Rachel-looking everywhere but where I am, thinking some other place is better. Please, help me stop being a person who is never content, and change me into someone who is thankful and content and at peace with where I'm at right now. Please, forgive me for taking You, others, and what you've given me for granted. If I hurt anyone, please, heal them, and make right what I made wrong. In Yahweh's Name. Amen.
The whole story of Jacob was good and how he loved Rachel and was tricked into marring Leah. But in the end when Jacob's Life is at an end, he wanted to be buried next to Jacob. This is a good picture of married couples who don't find their partner Physically or emotionally attractive, and God will make them see that this unattractive partner was the best thing that has ever happened to them. And I believe all woman should read this blog you wrote who deal with similar struggles! :)
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