I can't imagine being in her position. I for sure, would have been worried of what people thought, because there is no way that everyone believed that she hadn't done something immoral! And Joseph as well, excercised so much restraint and didn't consummate their marriage until after she'd given birth. The couple had a lot of respect for each other, and a lot of trust in the Lord! Even when others might not believe our reasoning or what we stand for, God understands and holds us to His standard, not the world's. There's something I'm going to have to say "no" to participating in this week at work because of some convictions I have, and I highly doubt they will understand. I am praying for a faith like Mary's to know that God put me in this place for a reason!
I personally don't know how Leah did it! How did she not turn to hate? She had so clearly been given the "short stick." Her husband was sleeping with her sister, and she didn't have a choice in the matter. Yet, God is so full of blessings. Anytime I think about complaining about the craziness in my family, this family is a good reminder of how good we have it! I think God has a sense of humor and compassion as well. Sure, Rachel got the looks, but Leah got the blessings that were highly prized in their culture: so many sons! Nothing that any human could do, would stop God from his magnificent plan of the lineage of Christ. Today, my husband might disappoint me. I may go through something seemingly unfortunate from the world's perspective. But, I hope, that I will have the assurance in Christ to know that a heart that desires Him above all is more precious than anything we could find here on this planet.
My heart resonate's with Sarai's. Before I was married, I made a huge mistake...because I was so frustrated with waiting. I decided to just 'follow my heart'...the wrong direction to the wrong person. And disaster did happen. Emotional disaster for me and for my now-husband. My husband is amazing. He is such a blessing and forgives me for my past resistance to the plans of the Lord. God has forgiven me. But this story and my own are such constant reminders of how easy it is to just take baby steps away from the Lord, even as a believer, and eventually you create a chasm. How much better it is just to rest in Jesus and avoid all that needless pain and sin!
I attempted to register but it said "cannot check out. amount is $0"...any ideas? =)
I would use it for my end table that really needs painting! :)
I'm the lion hearted knight! :)
I like the gif of the giant reaching down!
I'm the lion hearted knight! :)
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