Word for the day "The Lord will give your life balance"
Genesis 29:31(NKJV) When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
The Lord knows how to bring the right balance to our lives.
God has a way of balancing the scales. I have seen it with money, with time and, as this verse says, with love. Leah was “unloved” but Rachel was adored by Jacob.Leah had children and Rachel was barren.Not all things are that cut and dry spiritually, but all things are in the hands of the Lord.Always remember God is the one who opens and closes wombs, doors, and even our lives.God is the One who determines the day of our birth and knows the day of our death.Moreover, even though Jacob loved Rachel more than he loved Leah, Leah was married to Jacob some years longer and Leah was buried with Jacob (Genesis 49:31).God does not order our steps to punish us or hurt us; but to bring balance to our lives.We tend to underestimate how much maintaining balance contributes to living life successfully and productively.
The challenges of embracing balance in our lives must not be underestimated.
While there are blessings, there are also burdens that have a way of balancing us. In this story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel we get a small glimpse of this amazing balancing God produces.If life here on earth were perfect, would anyone want to go to heaven? Think about it: we all want to go to heaven, but no one wants to die, even though life is often incredibly hard here.You may not be getting something you have been praying for a long time. It might be something that others get so easily, but for you, you are begging God for answers, yet without seeing it.If this is you, consider looking at the circumstances of your life differently. Could it be that the Lord is balancing some areas in your life?Instead of begging God for what you do not have, start thanking Him for all you do have.Instead of feeling badly about what you are missing in this earth realm, start asking the Lord to give you the heart to experience some areas of your life in the heavenly realm.We are only passing through here, but heaven is for eternity.God knows what is best to keep you balanced.
Some lessons learned from the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel.
In this story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel we see how God worked through this family to bring about His will by their sons eventually making up the twelve tribes of Israel.What sticks out to me is that things aren’t always as they seem.In the case of Leah, she was rejected, dealt with the emotions of jealousy, and deeply desired to be pursued.What she realized was that though her own sister Rachel was wanted and pursued, Rachel herself had her own demons to deal with including jealousy and anger.Please notice having a husband didn’t resolve that.Leah found the balance she needed in her Lord and no one could take that away.May we be reminded that God’s plan for our lives doesn’t always end up with us being the success we’d hoped for, or being the most popular, or named the most likely to succeed.Rachel died giving birth to her second son Benjamin which was painful for all the family. However, she gave birth to two amazing sons the other Joseph that was used by the Lord.Jacob had 12 sons that were a reflection of his choices which provided a balance of life’s challenges from the Lord and his promised destiny.The balance of God’s love, His pursuit of us, and the desire to use our lives for His glory can manifest into a love story that is far more special than anything you could experience.We won’t be promised a pain-free life but what we are given is so much more with the Lord on our side.
Point to ponder
Start praising God right now. Start praying to God about pleasing His heart instead of asking the Lord to please yours.God loves you. Try seeking the Lord’s face instead of only His hand, and you will receive God’s peace that surpasses everything else. Have a great week, great people of God!Quote – “If we lack balance in our lives, we are candidates for burnout” James Baker Jr.
Special thanks!
Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of September 2020, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Theresa Lewis, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Evonne Bazemore, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. William Jones, Mr. Stan Harewood, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link above to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,