How many times do we believers look at situations, good or bad, from a human perspective instead of seeing how God might use them for his glory? Someone close to me often says, “Why do these bad things always happen to me?” My response lately has been, “…because you still haven’t learned to trust the Lord in every circumstance and then thank him for seeing you through!” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Such is the case with Leah in Genesis 29:31-35. Think of the embarrassing situation she was in. Her younger sister was beautiful, shapely and loved by Jacob. She was described only as being older and having “weak eyes.” She was a switcheroo bride (not even a close second) and probably Jacob’s upsetment, because of the swindle, was obvious to family, friends and neighbors. How awkward, embarrassing and humiliating. Now she was merely an obligation who would be replaced shortly by the real deal. Do you think Jacob’s heart would have been filled with resentment? Betrayal? Conspiracy theories? Do you think resentment, insecurities, jealousy would have filled Leah’s heart?

The Scripture doesn’t say that Leah sought the Lord. Hopefully Jacob had shared his family’s covenant connection with Yahweh. Obviously, Laban had enjoyed the Lord’s favor from Jacob’s hard labor; however, we see in verse 31 that “God saw that Leah wasn’t loved so he opened her womb” to bless both Leah and Jacob … according to his plan. She gives birth to Reuben (the name restates that the Lord, the giver of life, has seen her misery). God has given her a son. After having one son, Jacob and Leah then conceived again – Simeon – named for God hearing her (literal) cries. When Leah conceived and delivered a third son, Levi, (meaning “attached”) she felt sure Jacob would feel attached to her … that true love would be achieved. All three times, Leah’s emphasis was on her desire. Finally, she appreciated God’s heart and bears the fourth son, Judah, whose name means “Praise.” Praise God in all circumstances.

Father, give us faith to trust you through life’s ups and downs and praise you in all circumstances. 

Sherry Van Huisen, Panama City Beach, Fla.