For Day 4 of our 2019 Wrapped plan, we asked our Social Media Manager to uncover the community’s most shared reading of 2019. This reading comes from our summer study, Women and Men in the Word: Old Testament and tells the story of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, and her struggle to bear children for him.
Women and Men in the Word: Old Testament Day 12 | Rachel
Laban really gave his daughters a raw deal. He tricked Jacob into marrying Leah, sentencing both of his girls to one truly heartbreaking marriage. Instead of enjoying sweet accord between husband and wife, both women got crowded into a bitter, vengeful squeeze of marital misery. One wife is just the right number of wives, but one man, two sisters, and their maidservants to boot is a cramped relationship for sure. Indeed, the normal strains of marriage are quite enough without having to engage in a fertility contest with your own sister—a fertility contest that Rachel was losing. The stats were 10 to 0 against Rachel before Joseph was finally born.
Once a month, my husband goes out for an evening with his friends to discuss literature. But by the time he gets home at 10pm, I’ve had quite enough of sharing him with others. Marriage is a tight circle of two. Rachel and Leah were both denied the sweet intimacy that can only exist when two people are alone in a marriage. They likely both felt forgotten by their husband and by God. And forgotten is a feeling that we can all identify with. People will absolutely forget us. Terrible marriages, absent parents, distracted friends, and even children can pass over us as they forge ahead in life.
But there is One who does not forget. God remembers His people. God remembered Rachel (Genesis 20:22). And in Scripture, when it says that God “remembers” someone, it means that He is going to intervene and help. When God remembers, He takes action (Genesis 9:15; 19:29; 30:22; Exodus 2:24, 32:13; Psalms 25:6–7; 74:2). Even though Rachel seems to only be asking Jacob for help, it is God who remembers Rachel. He remembers, He listens, and He opens her womb (Genesis 30:1,22).
In the weirdest and most uncomfortable situations—in the deepest, saddest days—God remembers and listens. It goes without saying that His action may not be what we are asking for or what we think the situation requires, but in His sovereignty, He listens and remembers His people.
Rachel died in childbirth when Benjamin was born. She fought with Leah for her entire married life. She didn’t get to grow old with the man she loved. It was Leah’s son, Judah, whose descendants formed the line of Christ. Rachel’s life probably did not turn out at all like she had hoped. But she was remembered by God.
Life isn’t about us and what we are doing. It is easy to forget that just because things have not gone as we hoped, that does not mean that we are forgotten or abandoned. Indeed, God builds His kingdom even amidst our dashed expectations.
My dear Kelly Johnson, a couple of days ago, my friend celebrated her 1st wedding Anniversary to her most wonderful second husband!
I tell you this, why? Because she was married for over 20yrs to a non believer who would not participate in anything church..not even Christmas!
Her new man also not a believer, caused concern with our church leaders, but the way she held herself, spoke of her love of God and how her life has been with him, God, had this new man intrigued.. he took the Alpha course, started attending church..he found God! Gave his life to the Lord and now helps lead an Alpha group..
The funny thing, my friends 1st husband, started dating a lady that went to church.. guess what? He can often be seen at church services alongside his new lady!!
God sees. He knows. He loves us… oh how he love us..
God for sure has a plan.. trust Him..
Praying for you dear heart…❤
Praying this is my story too. Oh Father please remember me.
Tina, I’m so glad you’re back! I’ve missed you! I started SRT years ago and always looked forward to you and Churchmouse commenting….I have learned so much from both of you and feel like you are both old friends even though I never comment. I do not have a gift with words and it is hard for me to put my thoughts in writing. Thank you, both of you, for sharing your wisdom and experiences with us. Blessings in the new year to you and all my SRT sisters!
Thank you Lord that your promise to remember us means that you will intervene, help, and take action. Thank you for being a promise keeper.
Tina,
I’m so happy you’re back! I’ve missed you! I started SRT years ago and always looked for ward to yours and Churchmouses comments! I’ve learned so much from both of you and you both feel like old friends even though I never comment. I do not
Tina,
I’m so happy you’re back….I’ve missed your comments! I started SRT years ago and always looked forward to yours and Churchmouse
Churchmouse, ain’t that the truth…!
Life can take over our lives and it feel like noone notices or cares..
But God, oh but God…
Sometimes the strength, the voice, the will to keep going can only come from One who walks with, cares for, and absolutely without a shadow of doubt… sees us..
To our people, life can get in the way of them seeing us, life can block the view, make us invisible.., But God..
Oh But God..
He sees, He knows, He guides..
Praising Him for always.. Thank you Lord God..
Dear friend, hope today is a God blessed day..❤❤ from across the pond..
I am so thankful for the reminder that God remembers us. He loves us too much to ever forget us!
It is important to put our expectations in God alone. If He does not bring it to pass, we must trust His plan. I have wanted a husband too but when I see just how many men abandon God as their accountability and source of wisdom, I am glad I do not have one. I am happy for others who have found true believers to marry. It is God’s plan and it is great others have it. I am just focused on growing as a Christian and learning more about getting stronger myself.