Genesis 30:1 When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, "Give me children, or I'll die!"
Rachel must have taken acting classes - because this line comes straight out of "Drama Queen University". Why is it when we don't get what we want, we use every tactic available to turn things to our favor. In this case, she lays the guilt trip on Jacob: Saying, "she'll DIE" if he doesn't give her a child. So much for being content in your station.
Here's where common sense gets lost on Rachel. It's obviously not Jacob's fault if Rachel is not getting pregnant - seeing as how her sister has already had several children by Jacob. Did she honestly think that Jacob could give her the things she desired and felt she needed most.
Often times we think people can give us things to make us happy. A better job, a better house, a better car. . . The truth is, we need to be happy REGARDLESS of all the THINGS we have. We recently started a bible study this past Sunday on 'complaining' and how it's very offensive to God. When we act unappreciative of anything - knowing that ALL things are from God - are we not showing God that we do not appreciate HIM? It's like a child who complains when they get dinner - either there's too much, or too little, or they don't like it - when you've taken the time to cook it and/or prepare it so their bodies get nourished. It's very hurtful to us when they complain. It's also very hurtful to God when we complain.
No one here on earth can satisfy us. We need to know that only God can satisfy all our needs. Until we know and understand this, we will never be truly satisfied.
3 comments:
Yes, people cannot give you what only God can. I had a long learning curve with this truth. Now, I hate it when I'm not all others wish I could be to them. I also groan when I thought someone would meet some needs that they can't.
But you summed it up so well; life must be this way or we would put our trust in mere mortals. God is the only One who can be utterly trusted and depended on.
This Word from God is so important right now. Keep on keeping on with opening the Word to us. I depend on your studies for my growth. May God richly bless and keep you.
Dorothy,
This is why I love blogging!! I learn so much!! And I'm always open to learning!!
I have people around me all day long--complaining. First, they complain that their house isn't large enough, their car isn't new enough, their clothes aren't the right ones, they really want a boat!!
And then, guess what? They achieve all these possessions, all these "things", and they are happy--for a period of time. Then, the happiness fades and they go on to something else to complain about.
I have lost my home, my car, my husband, and now my family too--but still I have JOY!! And joy is different from happiness that is obtained from external values. Joy comes from the inside, from the state of your heart--as you place your hope and trust and realize your worth to the only ONE who can bring you true joy--Jesus!!
J: Jesus
O: Others
Y: Yourself
Beth
Great topic, I know I can relate, and I have been strongly working on this, and I am so much better about it today! I catch myself when I start getting into the flesh with this. So Amen!!
It's a great reminder for me.
Have a great day my friend
Sharon
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