Beginnings: A Study In GenesisSample

What does it say?

Leah, Rachel, Bilhah and Zilpah give birth to eleven sons of Jacob. 

What does it mean?

Driven by jealousy and discontent, Leah and Rachel turned childbearing into a competition. Even in the face of repeated blessing, the sisters were not content with what God had given them. They each wanted what the other had: Leah coveted the love that Jacob showed to Rachel, and Rachel yearned for Leah's ability to have children. Again and again they competed in their search for contentment only to find frustration. No matter what they were given, or what they achieved, they could not enjoy it because their focus was on winning rather than being thankful.

How should I respond?

At times we may find we are not satisfied with what we have or where we are in life. It’s easy to think the solution is just around the corner and that contentment will finally be found in the next achievement or possession. This is never the case since those things provide only temporary satisfaction. God has designed us to find contentment in our relationship with Him. And how is this done? Commit each day to thank Him for everything He has given you. Focus on pursuing Him and praising Him for what you do have rather than what you don't. Remember that the contentment found in Him is the only contentment that lasts.