God Sees You!ናሙና

The Need to Be Encouraged

Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, nothing ever seems to work out in your favor? Or have you been seen “as less than” another?

There was a young wife in the Bible who also felt that way; her name was Leah. Leah had a younger sister named Rachel. Genesis 29:17 (ESV) describes Rachel as “beautiful in form and appearance.” Leah, on the other hand, was described as having “weak or delicate eyes."

To be constantly outshone by her sister, how do you think that made Leah feel?

Frustrated?
Rejected?

Jealous?
Bitter?

Let’s look at how God worked His plan for Leah. Those around Rachel were focused on her beauty while Leah didn’t seem to get a second glance. Rachel was favored for her looks (Genesis 29). So, in an intense sibling rivalry, Leah continued to bear more children so that her husband, Jacob, would finally take note of her. But her plan didn't make him love her more. Rachel was also jealous because she was barren and was jealous of her sister’s fertility. Unfortunately, Jacob was caught in the middle. As the story progresses, Leah turns her focus from trying to please Jacob to intentionally praising the Lord. This act of thankfulness helped her overcome her bitter jealousy.

Do you find yourself in a discouraging place right now? Ultimately, God knows what’s best. This story teaches us to trust that God has a plan and a purpose for your life, even when you feel you’re not as important as everyone else or are discouraged by others' successes. We were made to stand out, not to blend in with the crowd.

Don’t focus on what everyone else is doing! You are called to be much more than just another face in the crowd. You are called to be a light to the world that points to Jesus.