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Talk about family drama. This story could be a reality TV show, ha! Jacob approaches Laban to marry his daughter Rachel whom he loves. In exchange, he agrees to work seven years for her hand. What should have been a fairly simple arrangement turns into an unexpected stressful affair. Laban deceitfully tricks Jacob and gives his other daughter Leah in marriage when the time comes. Upon discovery, he then agrees to give Rachel to Jacob for an additional seven year work commitment. Can you even deal?
I’m thinking about Rachel’s patience and endurance during this time. She is forced to watch her older sister with the man that she loves knowing that it wasn’t meant to be this way. She is also treated cruelly by her father in the process of this fraudulence. After finally becoming a wife, she then struggles with crippling infertility. She once again watches her sister Leah gain everything that she wishes for herself in the form of multiple children. The pain, the comparison, the sorrow that must have accompanied this struggle.
Despite these complicated familial dynamics and later disobedience, God still showed up in Rachel’s life. He was faithful to her, guided her life, and provided generously on HIS timeline. She was a real person with real issues, and somehow this is oh-so-comforting to me. Let us never forget our need for Him!
Jesus, oh how we need you every hour. In our waiting, in our wanting, in every season. Nothing is hidden from you, and for that we are so thankful. You know the days of our lives and the number of hairs on our heads because you love us so intimately. We love you. Amen.
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