“…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Have you ever felt like God has forgotten and abandoned you? The above Scripture says the opposite, and God never goes back on His promises.
Genesis 30:22 (NKJV) says, “Then God remembered Rachel; God listened to her and opened her womb.” When the Bible uses the word remember, it doesn’t mean that God forgets and then suddenly recalls – as if the all-knowing, all-powerful God of the universe suddenly hits His forehead with the heels of His hand and says, “Oops! I forgot all about Rachel. I’d better do something quickly!”
No, when the Bible says God remembers something, it expresses God’s love and compassion for His people. It reminds us of God’s promise never to abandon us or leave us without support or relief. He will never forsake us, never forget us, and always remember us.
In her desperation for children, Rachel screamed at Jacob – as though he was the giver of children (Genesis 30). However, her bitterness eased when she gave birth to a son, naming him Joseph, meaning “May He add” – a prophetic prayer that God would add another child to her line.
As they journeyed through the desert, tragedy struck. Rachel struggled to give birth to a second son, the answer to her many prayers. Ironically, the woman who once said she would die unless she had children was now dying because of a child (Genesis 35-16-19).
What Rachel most wanted cost her life. Think about what you long for and the price you may pay. What price to yourself or others, is too high? How can you tell if your longing has crossed the line from a good desire to harmful discontentment?
I can recall the thoughts I entertained as a young woman. After giving birth to four sons, I longed for a girl. In my heart, I murmured until one day, the Lord spoke to me and said, “DO NOT MURMUR! I know the reason why I gave you four sons.” From that day, I became content with my four boys.
Beloved, let us offer thanks to God because He alone is the Creator, and every human life is sacred. He never for a moment forgets us. He is present and attentive, aware of our deepest desires, even when we’re certain He’s lost track of us. Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Read: Genesis 28:15; Jeremiah 15:15
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 121; Hebrews 9:16-28; Ezekiel 17; Ezekiel 18
