As the story continues, Rachael and Leah are having a conversation starting in verse 15, "But she said to her, is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, therefore he will lie with you tonight for your son's mandrakes." Based on Leah's part of the conversation, she is still very hurt that her husband's love has escaped her over the years. Often, we settle into situations while secretly wishing for change. In verse 16, "When Jacob came out of the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, you must come to me, for I have surely hired you with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night." In Leah's case, she wanted what should have rightfully belonged to her the love of her husband. God's original design of marriage is outlined in Genesis 2:24 "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." There are so many things that seem right to us in our own eyes that God did not design. His grace is so merciful that He can turn ashes into something beautiful. Isaiah 61:3 puts it this way "To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified." As the family grows, Leah has more children in verse 20, "And Leah said, God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons, so she called his name Zebulum."
Leah recognizes that the blessing of children comes from God. However, she still longs for the love and affection of her husband. Her situation does not change because of the children, and neither does God's love for her. How many of us can identify with Leah? We are waiting for a desire of our hearts that seems to grow distant and elusive as time passes. Let me empower you with Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." I wish I could encourage you with a five or 10-step plan to make your desire a reality. But what I can offer you today is so much better; it is the promise that God will never leave you or forsake you even when we walk away from Him. God is faithful. Take some time and reflect on the goodness of God in our lives. Despite the longing for something else that dominates our thoughts. I leave you with Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Remember, God loves you, and so do I