Answered Prayers

Read Genesis 30:22–24 (NLT)

Reflection

It is reassuring to see that Rachel did finally get what she had been hoping for after many years. It is also important to remember what she had gone through to get to this point. Rachel had been living under a cloud of disappointment and pain for a very long time, and this had led to bitterness, unhealthy relationships with those around her, and some very twisted decision-making.

Life is hard. Sometimes we get the things we desire and sometimes we don’t – or we have to wait a very long time for those things that we want. It can be difficult to hold on to any hope in what Christ has promised you. You can probably think of times when you asked for something from God but didn’t receive it. You might even be living through the pain of that right now. It can take determination and strength of will to push through your discouragement.

Lean into some hope from this Scripture and in the words "God remembered". God remembers you. He remembers what you have been asking of Him. Your hope is not futile. This life might disappoint you but you will not be disappointed in the end. Christ will return and the troubles of this life will cease to exist. Rachel did not live out her disappointment perfectly, and neither will you, but God is able to bring restoration to your situation. Keep the faith.

Consider and Pray

What prayers and hopes do you feel have been forgotten by God? Remind yourself that God will restore your situation and trust in the Promise of Eternity where all things will be made new.