Unwanted By Man, Chosen By God

Genesis 29:31, “And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated (loved less or neglected), her opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”

Unrequited Love

In Genesis 29, we read a gripping narrative of deception, silent suffering, and the most tormenting kind of love: unrequited. Every time I read the story about Leah and Rachel’s competing beauty, their father’s disregard for propriety, and Jacob’s overt declaration of love for Rachel and his dismissal of Leah altogether, I cannot help but feel compassion for the two sisters.

It would be awful to be Leah, living in someone else’s shadow, never being recognized for the light she possessed in herself. Leah’s story stirs something deep in me. It is terrible to feel unwanted, unloved, and unseen.

And Rachel, even though she was admired and loved by her husband, was barren. Her pain is different, but no less real. She had Jacob’s heart, but longed for the one thing she could not produce: a child. With every son Leah gave birth to, she was hopeful that she would finally earn the affection of her husband. Sadly, as we read Leah’s story, she never had the heart of Jacob.

Never Enough

Have you ever felt similarly to Leah? Do you feel like what you have to offer is never enough? I’ve been there, but only in the presence of people, never in the presence of God. The Lord will take broken, shattered pieces of our story and create something beautiful on His potter’s wheel.

Leah, whom her father and her husband overlooked, was chosen by God to bear a lineage of kings. Even as she wept in silence, God was writing glory into her sorrow. Leah’s life is a testament for every person who has ever felt second-best, because we read that God hears the quiet cries and sees the tear-stains on our pillow.

You Are God’s First Choice

Today, you are not overlooked by God. He will not neglect your pain and heartache. He will not disregard your rejection. And He will not ignore your situation. Cry out to the Lord today and share the parts of your story that cause pain. He will hear your cry today because He cares for you. Would you bring Him whatever you have to offer, whether it is little or abundant? He is a God of multiplication, and He will advance His kingdom today.

Sometimes we may feel like Leah. We may feel like we are still in our Elementary School gym class, praying we are not going to be chosen last for the team. There is something in us, if we are honest, that wants to be chosen first. We don’t want to be someone’s backup plan or second choice. Leah may not have had Jacob’s heart, but she had God’s love and attention… and that makes all the difference.

I’m sorry if someone has made you feel invisible, even when you have tried so hard to earn his or her love. I’m sorry that you feel forgotten by someone whom you always put first. Your heart must ache at the unrequited love you have received in exchange for your unconditional love.

Your story is far from over! You are not invisible, forgotten, or unloved. God can weave purpose through the places of pain in your life. You are God’s first choice, His beloved, and His chosen vessel. God’s love will abound, even if your love fades. Would you pour out your praise and affection on the Lord today? He, just like us, loves to be chosen first.