GENESIS 30 GOD REMEMBERED The story continues to unfold in Pada-aram with the family of Jacob growing rapidly. It seems the birth of each new son creates a growing tension between Jacob's two wives. One was very fertile and had seemed to bare children easily. The other was the one especially loved by Jacob but was barren. It was interesting to me to notice that God was interested, and involved, in the affairs of that family. He compensated Leah, being the wife most unattractive to Jacob, by giving her four sons one right after the other. Rachel, the wife Jacob loved, was without children. The love of her husband wasn't enough for her. She seemed to think God had forgotten her so she took matters into her own hands following the example of Sarah many years before. Just because something is legal, doesn't necessarily make it right. The maidservants of both women were given to Jacob and he had sons by them. But the rivalry continued until Joseph was born to Rachel. God remembered Rachel.
I learned by watching that scene, through the Word of God, that God is no respecter of persons. He doesn't have favorites. Patience to wait for God to act is not always easy. We have a natural desire to have things done our way and in our time. The learning process is not able to be based on our demands or to meet our schedules. When God is given our will so we work within His will, things work out best. When patience is lacking in parents, there usually comes anger, resentment and jealousy not too far behind. It is hard to wait for God's time, and trusting Him when nothing seems to be happening is very difficult. But it is harder in the long run, to have to live with the consequences of taking matters into our own hands. God does not forget His people. When the temptation comes to think that way, we need to review the promises of God and wait in faith for Him to act in His own time and way.
God also remembered the faithful labors of Jacob. He had promised Jacob that He would bless him and bring him again into his own country. By the provision of God, Jacob's herds were increased. It is true Jacob selected certain strong animals of a certain type and color and bred them to bring the results that would favor his promised wages. There was no doubt that Laban was still an idol worshipper and claimed that through divination he had learned that God increased his wealth because of Jacob.
There is never a time when believers are allowed to turn to divination. Our God is the only true God, and those who serve Him do not need any testimony of any kind from the false gods of the world. The blessing of God sometimes does come on unbelievers because of their association with a child of God. In family settings the unbelievers are sanctified by the believers in the household. God in His grace sets people apart for blessing even if they may never accept that blessing for themselves. Material prosperity today is not necessarily a sign of the blessing of God as it was in those ancient times. Survival was dependent upon material possessions, and when more than was needed was given, it was a sign of wealth and the goodness of God that leads people to repentance.
I am conscious of the fact that God remembers us in our family dynamics. He is able to guide us into a quiet and peaceable life with godliness and honesty the key part of making our family life what it should be. I believe "them that honor Me, I will honor," still holds true today. It is also true that God can give what He wants and take away what He wants. It is His prerogative to do for us as He chooses. If a person has prospered because of his skill in his chosen field, he owes God his gratitude. There is always a reason behind God's activities on our behalf. It is very unwise for me to take anything God does for granted - whether it is to prosper me, or to remove anything that promotes some trust in falsehood from me.
A child crying in the night, afraid, thinking he's alone - God remembers. A woman grieves thinking no one cares for what she's done - God remembers. Of this we can be sure when everyone else forgets When we wonder if there is any way out of it Or when lying in a bed of pain and, O so sick God remembers.
On a far distant shore seeking to work for the Lord - God remembers. Clinging desperately to the promises in the Word - God remembers. One might wonder if it's "out of sight, out of mind" Looking around for some assurance to find - Wondering if we are only wasting our time - God remembers.
When finances are low and we are considering a move - God remembers. When we are about to lose everything, we have - God remembers. We turn here and there seeking to find some relief Everyone else is looking for the job we seek And one's soul is being tested for faith or unbelief God remembers.
When the children were small, we had such joy - God remembers. We were able even to afford to get them a special toy - God remembers. But now things are different, they seem to rebel They won't listen to the things I am trying to tell I don't know whether they believe now in heaven or hell God remembers.
I am getting older and now am often alone - God remembers. It soon will be time for me to go to a rest home - God remembers. God knows my mind isn't as sharp as it was
The children don't come unless there's a serious cause It seems like my whole existence has been put on "pause" God remembers.
"Father God, remember please that new widow and give her some comfort. Remember please that man and his family who came to listen to the Gospel for the first time and please remember those who have heard it a thousand times, and save them for Thy glory. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."