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When God Listens

Written by ronda on . Posted in Phoebe Connections.

Genesis 30:17-21

God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my slave to my husband,” and she named him Issachar.

Then Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. “God has given me a good gift,” Leah said. “This time my husband will honor me because I have borne him six sons,” and she named him Zebulun. Later, Leah bore a daughter and named her Dinah.

Just prior to this verse, Rachel foolishly traded her night with Jacob for Leah’s mandrakes, which were believed to increase fertility. As a result Leah conceived. Intimacy gave Leah the very thing Rachel wanted but could not acquire on her own. We must learn that we cannot manipulate a blessing from God. He is more than willing to bless us, but He will bless us on His terms and not our own. Rachel wanted more than just sons. Some scholars believe she wanted control of the household and power over Leah. If she had that, she could potentially run Leah from the household, and that was not God’s plan. He bridled Rachel by not giving her sons. 

God listened to Leah. All she wanted was to be loved by her husband, and God had a heart for her.  What would it take for God to listen to us?  If only we could realize that intimacy with God brings Him closer to us and gains His full attention, would we not spend more time with Him? Would He not listen to our prayers, hear out cries, and intervene on our behalf to grant exactly what we needed? All the mandrakes in the world could never gain His attention nor cause us to bear fruit in God’s kingdom. God desires the heart that longs to seek Him and to hear from Him. To that heart, He grants His full attention and intervenes on her behalf. He does not reward magic potions or formulas designed to manipulate a blessing for selfish and ungodly purposes. He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

Take time today to cultivate intimacy with God. Spend time in His Word and in prayer. Pour your heart out to Him, and listen to what He has to say. Embrace His fellowship. God listens to those who desire Him and do not try to manipulate their own blessing. He will listen to you, and you will find your answer in the time you spend with Him.

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.