For three weeks, we’ve examined the account of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah in Genesis 29-30. Today, let’s look at some what-ifs. 

What if Jacob had led spiritually?

What if Jacob had accepted Leah and had honored her as the mother of his children?

What if Rachel had empathized with her sister instead of blaming her, when the situation was really her father’s fault?

What if the girls had encouraged one another instead of competing?

What if they had loved their niece and nephews as their own?

Yet God redeemed a bad situation:

• God established the twelve tribes through this broken family.
• God saved two nations from famine through Joseph’s little trip to Egypt. 
• God worked on Jacob’s heart to restore the broken relationships with his brother Esau and his father Isaac. 

Family wounds sometimes feel as if they will never heal. They need the supernatural touch of the Great Physician. However, the patients must follow the treatment plan:

Forgive: I know. Deep breath. Pray and do it a million times a day if you need to. It will get better. God will help you release it.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

Pray: Pray for them. No, really. And I don’t mean one of those wrath-of-God vengeance prayers. 

“‘You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44

Bless: Ask God to bless them and, if it is in your power to do so, you bless them. 

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14

Dysfunction is anything but fun. Don’t leave any what-ifs. Work toward healing, restoration, and wholeness. 

Workout for the Week: Part 4 What-ifs

Memory Verse:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14

Meditation Passage: Genesis 29-30

Do It: Take the first step to reconcile.

The spiritual discipline for June is Simplicity. What needs simplifying in your life?