Rachel "Ewe"

Evangelist Nina

Rachel

"And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother." Genesis 29:10

Name Meaning— Rachel means “ewe,” as a title of endearment. Laban thought “ewe” to be a fitting name for his second daughter. (Reference biblegateway.com) 

Rachel is first mentioned in the bible in Genesis 29. She was the daughter of Laban. Rachel became the second wife of her first cousin Jacob, after her older sister Leah.

When Rachel first met Jacob he knew he wanted her as his wife. Rachel was beautiful. He immediately asked her father for her hand in marriage. Rachel met Jacob while working for her dad. God ordained this for her! He worked fourteen years for her. He was supposed to work seven, but her dad, Laban, would not allow his younger daughter to get married before the older daughter.

Rachel had to share her husband with her older sister. Her older sister had more children than her by their husband. Her older sister also had children long before her. Rachel had a difficult time getting pregnant on her own. When she did, she bore her husband two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Having a difficult time having children made her sad, but God saw fit to bless her. Genesis 30:22 states that, "God remembered her prayers for children." Her prayers did not go unheard. God indeed blessed her.

Rachel, however, brought strife upon her family by bringing idols from her father’s house on their journey. She stole them, which was also a sin. She hid them when her father came to search for them. She also lied by not telling him she had them and by not giving them back. Before Rachel died she did surrender the idols that brought her husband's family so much strife.

Rachel died while giving birth to her second son. This birth was difficult for her. So difficult that she died right after Benjamin was born. She wanted to name him son of sorrow, but Jacob called him son of the right hand.

Rachel's story is so relateable today because many women have been through similar things. When a woman is found by the one God has for her, it is often that she wants to bare children. Not being able to can be difficult. However, I have known several women who God has blessed with children even when the doctors said no. God always has the final say.

Rachel was a blessed woman. She was beautiful and she was chosen. Many women sit and wait for the day to be chosen. Her story is encouragement to all women in waiting that you may be “seen” by the one God has for you when you least expect it. Rachel was working when Jacob saw her. She did not wake up that day and expect to be “found” but she was. Ladies, stay focused on the job God has for you and in due season, He will “see” you. Your story may be “unexpected.” God has a plan just for you!

Rachel did not always make the right choices and made some decisions that may have cost her and her family some problems. As stated above, she stole idols, lied about it and had to watch her husband's family suffer. In the end it cost her her life. 

Thank God for the blood of Jesus. We all know God is a jealous God and do not want us putting any idols before Him. Many times it is not “gods” that we use nowadays. We put people and/or things before Him. God wants to be the only thing we idolize. He is worthy of it. Let’s not wait until it is too late to put God first! Let’s not have others affected by our bad decisions. 

Let’s live a God-led life and receive the blessings He has in store. Like Rachel, He will answer our prayers!

Bible References: Genesis 29-35; Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18

Nina Motivates is an evangelist, author, comedian, speaker, publisher, mentor and a certified life coach. Nina is the senior youth leader at Bibleway Church of Chicago. Nina has Published seven books, and is looking forward to releasing many more books. Nina brings laughter by providing clean comedy for family, schools and churches. Nina has been a certified life coach for 5 years and has helped many build their business, find their purpose, and write their books. Nina believes that it is our duty to use every gift God has given us for His glory. Stay connected with Nina at www.ninamotivates.info

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