Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Genesis 30 before reading the devotional below.
Fertility is a key theme in today’s chapter, both in the pregnancy journeys of Jacob’s wives and in the expansion of his wealth (via sheep). Children and flocks meant power and status in those days, and there’s a reason that many religions have forms of fertility gods. We see here that God is still actively involved in fertility, but again he intervenes for the women’s sake. He’s not trying to make Jacob wealthier — he is answering the prayers of women.
It is important to notice that comparison rarely leads to anything productive. Leah and Rachel are involved in their baby wars, and that leads Rachel to pull the same stunt Sarah tried with Abraham — giving him a servant to sleep with. Jacob apparently didn’t learn from any stories passed down that he should avoid this, so on it goes. It’s amazing how generational issues get passed along so easily within families.
Here’s your freedom for today:
You can release control and trust God to bless you.
Freedom is found in letting go of the things that this world says are important. Money, fame, status, and power all lead to comparisons and competition. We focus on others instead of on God. In today’s chapter, God was ready to bless Rachel. He noticed her and was ready to intervene. She didn’t have to take matters into her own hands and give her husband another woman. Competition and status drove her to repeat that mistake. What are you holding tightly today that might lead you down a path you’ll regret? What would trusting God look like in that situation?