It’s Not Fair

Read Genesis 29:22–30

Reflection

You might be thinking about how unfair Uncle Laban has been to Jacob, tricking him into working for seven years only to give him the wrong daughter. However, you only have to look back a few pages in Scripture to see the same deceit being played out through Jacob’s own doing. It seems we can’t always get away from things coming back around to us.

It’s not that Jacob deserved to be tricked. He had been forgiven and been given the Blessing. Remember, however, that God is always working His Story of Salvation through Israel, and He can use all situations to ensure His Truth prevails. In this somewhat twisted situation, Laban shows compassion for Leah – giving her a chance to be loved and to be part of a family. Even better than this, Leah becomes the mother of Judah, the tribe and bloodline of Jesus. It’s a Big Story, it’s a Good Story, and it’s well worth understanding that God works in the best – and the worst – of situations.

Things happen in our lives that are unfair. We are deceived, we are trampled on, we get hurt. This was never part of God’s Plan, and it is never okay to be treated unfairly. We can, however, trust in His Word that says that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Trust Him to work it out for you and turn the ugly into something for His Glory.

Consider and Pray

What injustice have you witnessed or experienced yourself? Pray for God’s Mercy and Power to heal, and trust in His Restorative Work on Earth and in Heaven.