CIUC is an online ministry for God’s children. We have numerous resources in support of home church ministeries, Bible studies, and small churches. We hope to assist you in seeking God’s heart for your everyday life.
Genesis chapter 30 introduces a frustrated Rachel to us. Rachel is angry because she has not been able to give Jacob any children while Leah was blessed with several boys already. Out of frustration, Rachel told Jacob – give me a child or I will die! That statement would follow Rachel to her grave. Rachel birth only two boys to Jacob – Joseph and Benjamin. She died in childbirth with Benjamin.
It is an odd situation for Rachel to make the statement about death and to later die in childbirth. We don’t know all of the facts of the situation but we do know words are powerful. The Lord knew Leah was a breeder and Rachel was not. Even though Rachel wanted to bear children as Leah did – God knew Rachel’s body and her capacity for childbirth was not the same as Leah’s.
This is a lesson for all of us. Never compare yourself to another person. I know it is often difficult to focus on your life and not compare yourself to others. The way to success is to honor your gifts. Each one of us is made differently. We think different. We look different and we have different gifts. Even when we may view our differences as negative – God has a plan to use your gifts to bless the people around you. Resist the temptation to speak negative about yourself and what you see as shortcomings. At the very least check yourself. Be sure what you say is what you want to see in your life.
Seek God for your place in society and his plan for your life. Avoid making statements that box you in while issuing ultimatums to God. When you seek God’s direction for your life and thank him for his plan – you won’t go wrong!
