“But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her.”
(Genesis 29:23 ESV)
Jacob arrived in Haran hoping for a new beginning. He had met Rachel, fallen in love, and committed seven long years of work to marry her. But on the wedding night — seven years later — everything collapsed. Laban deceived him and gave him Leah instead. The man who once relied on his own deceitful schemes now tasted the bitterness of being deceived himself.
Yet even in this painful moment, God had not stepped away. His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were never built on flawless human behavior. God remained faithful even when people around Jacob acted unjustly. His purposes kept moving forward — quietly, steadily, and redemptively.
Jacob stayed and worked another seven years, but this time the season looked different. It became a time of waiting, trusting, and being reshaped by God. What Jacob didn’t choose became the very place where God formed his character.
God still does this in our lives. He uses unfair moments, disappointments, and the dark nights we didn’t see coming. He never wastes them. Instead, he works through them — drawing us closer, strengthening our trust, and preparing us for what lies ahead.
When have you faced a situation that felt unfair or deeply disappointing? How did God use it to reshape your heart or deepen your dependence on him?
Leave a Reply