THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 28:10-31:55
“When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless.” (Matthew 29:31)
Is this how God works, can we interpret our own lives this way?
If someone is childless today, is that because God is balancing out other advantages?
Does God always help the disadvantaged, and not those with the advantages?
If I am barren somewhere in my life, is it because I am blessed in other ways?
Obviously I hesitate to turn this verse into a general principle applicable to all.
But I will affirm that somehow God’s hand is at work in my life, for a reason!
“‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.'” (John 9:2-3)
Somehow, my circumstances serve to display the works of God through me.
My struggles are not to be seen as punishments, but opportunities for God’s light to shine.
Rachel’s season of barrenness was no doubt a humbling time for her.
But eventually she is also blessed with a son – Joseph – who will later save his family.
God is at work; in the moment it may be difficult, but in the long run it will be good.
The twists and turns of Jacob’s life shows this too.
The Lord sees, the Lord knows, the Lord cares, the Lord is at work.
He will use your situation – no matter how hard – to produce something good, better than you can imagine.
“You fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and will break in blessing on your head.” (William Cowper)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are at work in and through my life. I affirm this, even if I don’t feel it. I will keep looking for the blessings that You promise are coming!