Jacob loved Rachel from the moment he saw her. He worked seven years to have her hand in marriage and “they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.” (Genesis 29:20) The morning after his marriage, though, he woke to discover that Laban had deceived him and Leah, not Rachel, was his wife. Undeterred, Jacob also took Rachel as his wife in return for another seven years of labor. To Jacob’s death, she was the love of his life.

This time I will praise the Lord.

Genesis 29:35

Leah, on the other hand, was hated – possibly by both Jacob and Rachel. Yet she lived her life faithful to God and to her husband. She took her strength from the Lord and He gave her six of the 12 sons of Jacob…the future 12 tribes of Israel. From Judah came the Messianic line from which Jesus was born, and from Levi came the priesthood. Leah praised God for each one. She was faithful and the Lord blessed her.

God works all things for good…even in the most difficult situations (Romans 8:28). Take heart, dear one. Give thanks and praise to Him in every circumstance. Intercede for the leaders of this nation that they may be faithful to God in the most challenging times.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:12-24