Mothers of the Bibleಮಾದರಿ

Rachel: God Hears You

Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. —Genesis 30:22, NIV

Have you ever been so discouraged and weary that you wonder if God even sees you?

Me too.

In Genesis 29, we read about Rachel. Rachel was married to Jacob and had a deep longing for children. She watched as her sister Leah bore multiple children, deeply anguished by her own infertility. Her heart’s cry and desperation echo many women today who feel this same unmet desire for motherhood. But Rachel’s story brings us hope. Yes, we see her struggle, but through it, we also see God’s faithfulness.

Later in chapter 30, we read, “God remembered Rachel” (Genesis 30:22, NIV). What I love about this is the realization that our prayers and cries to God are never ignored. God hears us. God cares about us and is attentive to our struggles, frustrations and grief. It is also an important reminder that God’s timing is perfect. For Rachel, that meant the birth of her son Joseph, who would later play a pivotal part in God’s story for his people. What Rachel and we often cannot see is that God is working diligently behind the scenes. The prayers we pray for our families and children, the sacrifices we make, and the ways we invest in people shape the legacy of faith for those in our lives.

Seasons of waiting can be extremely difficult. Whether you are waiting for children, a job or just navigating the daily complexities of life, the waiting, striving and longing can be so heavy. When you are feeling the weariest, remember Rachel’s story. God was with her in the waiting, faithful in every aspect of her life. He heard her prayers and provided for her when the time was right. Her story is an important reminder that God does not just meet our needs, he does “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20, NIV), and we can trust him.

Be encouraged, mama. God is with you. Through the sleepless nights, never-ending to-do lists, carpool pickups and wondering if all you are doing is enough, he sees you. He has good plans for you. Even in the waiting, he will be faithful to meet your every need. Lean on him when you are weary and know that the same God who remembered Rachel, remembers you.

Challenge: Spend time in prayer for your children or someone longing to be a mom.