Week #42

The way that we view ourselves can be a very complicated thing. Society influences our views on body type, dress, and culture. When we do not meet this so called standard, we are looked at as inferior.  In 2002, 132,000 teens (15-24), attempted suicide. Often these suicidal tendencies are related to self-esteem issues that lead to depression.

In Genesis chapter 29 we read the story of two competing sisters. One was beautiful and loved the other was not physically beautiful and was unloved. Leah, the unlovely one, was used as a pawn by her father, rejected by her husband, and described as ugly. If anyone had the right to deal with self-esteem issues it was Leah.  Because Leah was unloved God blessed her with many children. Her first three sons were named things that described her frustration. Then she gave birth to another son. Gen. 29:35, “Once again Leah became pregnant and gave birth to another son. She named him Judah,^[a] for she said, “Now I will praise the Lord!” NLT

What was the difference? Leah comes to terms with her treatment and her opinions of herself. Instead of crying about her situation she praises God for His blessing in her life. What a testimony of overcoming a tough situation. Judah, the fourth son, is honored above all of the 12 tribes of Judah. From Judah, and thus from Leah, came the great Kings of Israel; David, Solomon, and Hezekiah. More importantly Jesus Christ the very son of God and the redeemer of our lives came from the tribe of Judah, the fourth son of the unloved Leah.

Imagine what you can accomplish when you stop looking at your circumstance and find your worth in God. He created you to be who you are, to look like you do. It is He that has a divine plan for your life.