Day 5: Rachel

Rachel means ewe (a female sheep). Rachel's story, although similar to Rebekah and Sarah's in many ways carried its own sense of uniqueness. Hers I term a typical love story filled with twists and turns, plots and scandals yet we still learn a lot from her life. She didn't expect things to turn out the way they did. Married to the same man with her sister yet dearly loved by her husband. Her husband had chosen her. She knew she was the first choice and her being beautiful was the icing to the cake. She was everything her sister was not and somehow she seemed to lack productivity where it mattered most - having children of her own. Anna writes, "Was it better to have love but no children or to be unloved and yet mother to a house full of sons? The question battered Rachel every single day." The picture was perfect yet incomplete. How many times do we face such situations as Rachel's. Everything else is in place except for that one thing. If only this can be fixed then everything will be alright. If only God would bless me with children as He has blessed me with everything else. If only. One piece is still missing from the puzzle. Such situations take us through the school of patience. I hear the cry of a woman who has it all but a son. A woman who has the husband, the life but the laugh of a baby. A woman who is constantly nagged by the disadvantaged sister who has that one thing that she doesn't. Be encouraged oh Rachel. The Lord is on your side. Your Joseph is coming. Gather the lessons that this experience is teaching you. Learn from this valley as you walk through it. Be encouraged that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Look to God who is the author and finisher of your faith. Do not compare your barreness to Leah's fruitfulness. Dear Rachel. Turn your eyes from what's not and focus on what is. God never for a moment forgets about us. He is present and attentive, aware of our deepest desires, even when we are certain He's lost track of us. Hold on to this promise, "I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!"