By: Juliet Constantine
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. (Genesis 29:34-35)
Her husband deprived her of the one thing every wife needs – to be loved by him. His eyes were fixed on another that he and everyone thought was more beautiful. It didn’t matter to her that he was tricked into marrying her. All she wanted was to be loved by him. But he loved her younger sister. And not even the years of hard labor would stop him from taking her as wife. One husband with two wives – who are sisters! What an unhappy mess!
Leah cried out to God in secret and He rewarded her openly. God opened her womb and she bore him many sons – a priceless treasure of her days. But soon she learned that having children for Jacob did not let him love her more. So, what did she do?
The Bible said that older women are to teach the younger ones; and there are many lessons we can learn from Grandma Leah some of which are:
1) She went to God in prayer. How she must have agonized with God for her husband to love her. We too should pray about everything, especially those things that we cannot change. God answered and blessed her with sons, sons whose names reflected her relationship with God.
2) She did not fuss and complain. She still did what she could to win the favor and attention of her husband. Being bitter, angry, revengeful or resentful will not help our situation. We should do what we can to promote peace and harmony.
3) She changed her focus. Instead of waiting and yearning for the love of her husband Jacob, she reached out and embraced what she had, God’s love and favor. And what an impact she had made.
4) She praised God. It’s not easy to praise God in difficult situations. But it’s the best medicine. Praise God in your mind and actions. She removed all focus on her and her desperate situation and placed it all on her Creator. And the more she praised God, the more the He blesses her and her children.
5) Your enemy’s hate may not let up. Your prayer may never be answered the way you desire, but keep on praying to and keep on praising God. God’s vengeance is the best. You will see His works and even live to be sorry for your adversaries.
6) She was kind to those who hated her. Rachael was barren and needed Leah’s mandrakes. Leah bargained and a fair exchange was made. She would have the use of her husband for a night in exchange for Rachael getting some mandrakes.
7) She was content. Eventually Rachel died and she had her husband for herself. But Leah was content to be where she was with God. God blessed her actions and her fourth born, Judah, was selected to be the lineage for our Messiah, Jesus Christ.
“It is tough to live in a relationship without mutual commitment and love. Everything cries out for it. After all, that was God’s original intent for marriage when he created man and woman and brought them together in the Garden of Eden. Like Leah, we can focus on what we lack and be miserable. Or we can decide to focus on what we already possess and praise the Lord. How do you live with a spouse who doesn’t love you? You change your focus. And you will end up like Leah, praising the Lord and filled with joy.” (Excerpts from Dean Rhine’s Sermon: Leah – the unloved one).
Dear Heavenly Father, it is not easy to live in a loveless marriage. You intended for both to love each other. In Your hands I place all marriages that are under attack from the evil one. We pray that You will teach us how to change our focus and place in on You. Please grant us the wisdom we need not to fuss, to be revengeful or resentful. May we praise You and wait for Your intervention, we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
