Editor's note: Enjoy today's devotions from Knowing the God Who Never Changes by Charles F. Stanley.
*
When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He enabled her to have children. — Genesis 29:31 NLT
What a beautiful thought: God saw that Leah was unloved and took action. Perhaps you know the story of how Jacob worked seven years to marry Rachel. However, when the day of the marriage came, Jacob was given Rachel’s sister, Leah, as his wife instead (Genesis 29:16–28). Certainly, it was an awful situation from every point of view. But what we may remember about Leah was that she wasn’t the one Jacob wanted.
If you’ve ever been rejected, you know how bad it can feel and the way it can take over your identity. Once a person who’s significant to you dismisses you, you may question your worth and wonder if anyone will ever find value in you again. But what’s essential to remember is that even when you think you’re unwanted and unlovable, God is actively caring for you and helping you (Psalm 34:18).
The Lord saw Leah’s broken heart and blessed her.
And she praised Him (Genesis 29:35). He sees yours, too, and takes steps to rebuild the broken areas of your life. Turn to Him and accept His love. He genuinely cares that you’re hurting.
Lord, thank You for seeing the rejection and hurt I feel. I am so grateful You love me and mend my broken heart. Amen.
*
He Seeks You
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8
God is interested in us even when we’re not thinking about Him. We may often believe that we are the ones chasing after the Lord, begging Him to pay attention to us. Yes, we are instructed to seek Him (1 Chronicles 16:11), but the Father has loved us since He carefully formed each of us in the womb (Psalm 139:13–16), and He has placed us in situations where we are most likely to respond to Him (Acts 17:26–27).
Even more essential is that He has solved the biggest problem we’ll ever face—eternal separation from Him caused by our sin. Indeed, that’s why Jesus came: “that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:17). He longs for us to be with Him and has sacrificed immensely to accomplish it. He continually invites us to draw near to Him.
If you’ve experienced rejection in your life, you may sometimes feel as if the Lord doesn’t want you. However, know for certain that’s just a feeling and doesn’t reflect the truth.
- God cares for you sacrificially, completely, and absolutely.
Turn to Him and allow Him to love you.
Lord, thank You for loving me even when I don’t realize You are. Amen.
Excerpted with permission from Knowing the God Who Never Changes by Charles F. Stanley, copyright In Touch Ministries, Inc.
* * *
Your Turn
If you’re facing the sting of rejection, you’re not alone. God sees you, He cares, and He is actively working on your behalf. He will bless you! ~ Devotionals Daily
