Rachel - Another Drama Queen

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.

Jonah - Drama Queen?

Jonah 4:3-5 Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?" Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.

Could Jonah be more dramatic? "I didn't get my way, so just kill me". I must, once again, refer back to children: The one who says 'if I don't get my way I'll stay in my room all day' - to which one should reply, 'okay'. Did Jonah honestly think that comparing his life on earth being destroyed, came remotely close to thousands of people being lost for eternity? Angela made a good point when she commented on a post two days ago about why Jonah may have had such a reasonable dislike for the Ninevites - but it just goes to show, God overshadows our dislikes. We may have every reason in the book to dislike someone, or their actions - but God shows us right here what he thinks of that. . .

God says, "Have you any right to be angry?" 'Cause we all know, Jonah ain't sinless. God questions Jonah here in hopes that he'll see the common sense in all this and change his attitude. Jonah does have something going for him this time - he doesn't talk back to God - he simply walks away. Sometimes it's good for us to be able to get off by ourselves and let God handle things. Let's face it, He is going to do a much better job than we will. Are we willing to let go and let God handle it?