Devotional: God Blesses our Rivals

Genesis 29:30-30:24 This devotional is motivated by a recent conversation with my daughter. When she was a little girl, Abra frequently watched a video that tells the story of the patriarchs of Israel, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abra learned all the names of Jacob’s sons and whether Leah or Rachel is the mother. As we talk Abra tells me that now that she has read the story she realizes the “petty jealousy and sibling rivalry” between the two sisters Leah and Rachel. I asked her if she realizes that God blesses both women with children in spite of their rivalry. We discuss how this story shows that God does not let our personal differences keep him from blessing us. God has a plan and God has a purpose that supersedes all of our human frailties. How often do we want God to bless us and curse our rivals? It is good for us that God works according to His own divine will instead of our own desires. God does not need to choose between us and our rivals. God can bless both of us. Prayer: Lord, we thank you for hearing our prayers. We are happy that you alone determine how you bless each of us. Give us the grace to learn to be happy that you bless all of us in spite of our personal difference.