Loved by God
Genesis 29:31 (NKJV)
“When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.” Genesis 29:31 (NKJV)
Women, mothers, “Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough?” Regrettably, as I read the Bible and focus on women, I see women have felt inadequate since the Old Testament days. In the book of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, we find the account of Leah, a woman who was overlooked in favour of her younger sister Rachel. She didn’t seem to measure up. It was only when the sisters got married and started their families that Leah began to realise how blessed and loved she indeed was.
Leah’s account demonstrates God’s genuine love and sacrifice. She was one of the wives of Jacob and the mother of six of his children. She is depicted as a meek and submissive woman; however, she was extremely faithful to her family. This account is a timely reminder that even the most unassuming people can display great courage and strength (Genesis 29).
While Jacob fell in love with Rachel and was promised her hand in marriage, he was tricked by his father-in-law to marry Leah first. This, however, did not dissuade him from marrying the love of his life, Rachel. One can only wonder how Leah would have felt. She had no one interested in her, while her husband was willing to work seven more years to marry his love. My sisters, how many times have we seen or endured similar situations?
But our God always has a plan for the broken-hearted once we walk in His will. He allowed Leah the opportunity to bear children while making Rachel barren. Our God is always just! The Scripture says, “When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved….”, He moved on her behalf. God sees your heartbreaks, He sees your rejections, and He sees any hurt you may be experiencing. He knew Leah was hurting and blessed her by giving her children. On the contrary, Rachel struggled to conceive (until God was ready to bless her).
Leah received God’s altruistic love without even asking. Although she may have struggled to feel worthy in the eyes of her husband, God ensured she received her husband’s attention in the best way possible. He blessed her womb bountifully.
It is painful when like Leah, nothing we do seems right or enough. However, in the end, God is our rewarder; He is our first love. Like Leah, you may not have been favoured by your husband or anyone for that matter, but just as God loved Leah, you are also loved by Him. As she was blessed and took great delight in her children, I remind you that you are blessed, and I charge you to take great delight in God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive us for comparing ourselves to others. We know we are enough in You. You love us. Your Word calls us to show love for our enemies and for each other in John 13:34-35 and Matthew 5:43-48. We choose to love without seeking vengeance for every wrong that is done to us. We trust You, Lord, even when we don’t understand. We choose to delight in Your presence and Your Word continually, in Jesus’s name, Amen.
Read: Lamentations 1:2; John 13:34
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 64; John 11:1-44; 1 Samuel 2:27-36; 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4
