Mothers of the BibleНамуна

Rebekah’s Story: A Mother’s Choices and God’s Sovereignty

The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” —Genesis 25:23, NIV

Rebekah’s story is a powerful reminder of how God’s plans are bigger than our mistakes. Her marriage to Isaac was clearly orchestrated by God, as Abraham’s servant prayed for a sign, and Rebekah fulfilled it perfectly (Genesis 24:12-19). Later, when she couldn’t have children, Isaac prayed, and God answered, blessing them with twins. During her pregnancy, God revealed a prophecy: “Two nations are in your womb ... the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23, NIV).

When the time came for Isaac to bless his sons, it seemed like he was about to bless Esau, the older. Rebekah stepped in, devising a sneaky plan for Jacob to deceive his father and receive the blessing. Her actions reflected her desire to fulfill God’s prophecy, but they also showed a lack of trust in his timing. She wrestled matters into her own hands, and by doing so, made a big mess. Can you feel her mom guilt from here, all these years later?

Rebekah’s actions caused pain, including estrangement from her older son and years of separation from Jacob. But even in the mess, God’s purposes stood firm. He worked through the brokenness, just as he promised. Jacob became the father of Israel, and the prophecy was fulfilled. God’s mercy was greater than Rebekah’s mistakes.

It’s easy to see ourselves in Rebekah, isn’t it? How often do we try to control outcomes for our kids? We want the best for them, and sometimes the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming. We think, If I don’t step in, who will? But Rebekah’s story reminds us of something vital: God doesn’t need our schemes to accomplish his plans.

Mamas, let’s take heart in this: God’s plans for our children are not dependent on us getting it all right. Our missteps, big or small, cannot derail his purposes. He is faithful to his promises, even when we stumble. That doesn’t mean our choices don’t matter—they do. But God’s sovereignty is bigger than our shortcomings.

Challenge: Look at your kids. How do you try to control the outcomes of their lives? Is there something you want to try to control for them? Release your grip. Pray over them instead. Pray that God will guide your words and actions as a mom. And remember: My failures as a mom do not thwart God’s plan for my life or my children’s.