"And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel:
and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the
womb? (Gen.30: 2)
Some women are like Rachel. They seek from husbands
or friends what only God can give. It was God who had closed her womb, yet it
was Jacob who was the target of her castigation when she pleaded, "Give
me children, or else I die." No wonder the man was so angry. There's
nothing more infuriating than being vehemently compelled to do something beyond
your ability. He showed his frustration by asking, "Do you expect me to
take the place of God?"
It's a good question, and a fair one. Do I expect
people around me to meet needs in my life that can only be met by God? For
instance, who do I trust most with my most intimate secrets? Who sees the bulk
of my tears? Who is the primary joy giver in my life? Who is the first to hear
about it when I've been offended? Whose love is dearest of all to me; and who
is the ultimate source of my guidance and security for the future? If the
answer to any of these questions is anyone other than God, I'm asking that
individual to take the place of God in my life. Our need to find relief from only
someone we can “see” shows our lack of a consciousness of the presence
of God in our lives.
Don't allow anyone in your life to take His
place...for his or her sake, as well as your own. There is only one Source of
ultimate satisfaction for all creation: The Hand of God.
"Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living
thing." (Psl. 145:16)
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