Leah and Rachel

Leah and Rachel


I purposely titled this Leah and Rachel. When we talk through this story in the Genesis 29, we typically say, “Rachel and Leah.” That is incorrect in every way. Leah was the first born. Leah was also the first wife and the first to bear children. For some reason, we insist on putting Rachel first.


Why?


She’s beautiful.
She is what we always wanted.
She is what we are working so hard for.
She is the dream about to come true.
She is the promotion right around the corner.
She is the child we have been praying for.
She is what life should be.


Scripture shows us all of this, but I would like us to pause in this passage in Genesis 29:25. I love how the New King James puts it, “So it came to pass, that behold, it was Leah.”


What do you do when you are praying for Rachel but you end up with Leah?


This has been heavy on my heart for some time now. I have talked to so many people who are walking around with Leah wishing they had Rachel. The Joy of serving is gone, the Love and Passion for what they do is no longer evident, and they struggle to make Peace with all of it. Unfortunately, success isn’t easy to define. For one it may be a platform, for another wealth, for Jesus though, it was a cross! Here are a few suggestions to help refocus where you are and understand your Leah situation.


Purpose in Your Pain


I am convinced, that God cares more about developing us than developing our situation. People are His end-game. Maybe you are needing to grow in some area of your life. Perhaps it’s not about you at all. Maybe it is for someone else’s sake? Find purpose through it all.


Fulfillment in the Fruit


If you continue reading this passage, you will find that it was through Leah, that offspring first came, not Rachel. I am reminded of the book Secrets of the Vine, by Bruce Wilkinson. He has a beautiful grape vine growing on his fence. When he sees his neighbor pruning it, he is posed with this question, “Do you want a beautiful vine or fruit? You can’t have both.”


Here is Not Home


When did we start living for ‘here?’ I didn’t realize that ‘here’ was our forever home. I am thankful that this life is not all that there is! Remembering that helps me make it through the storms. We have a glorious day approaching that should enable and empower us to make it through any and all situations this world might throw at us.


Remember, what the world defines as success doesn’t always line up with God’s definition of success. Don’t use that as a cop-out to not work hard, pray hard, and serve well. Trust God through it all and learn to embrace your Leah while waiting for your Rachel.