Unpreferred: A Journey to Discovering You Are God's Plan ASample

I enjoy watching home renovation shows. The reveal of a remodel is spectacular, and I am drawn into the process from demolition to reconstruction. However, the journey between the before and after makes me appreciate the grand reveal even more. In life, just like renovation shows, there is tremendous value in the in-between. Our strength is tested, our commitment is tried, but our faith is built if we endure.

Continuing with the story of Leah, something happened after her three sons, Rueben, Simeon, and Levi were born. In those days, children were named based on their birth circumstances. So, the meaning of their names: Rueben, the Lord has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me; Simeon, the Lord heard that I was unloved and has given me another son; and Levi, surely this time my husband will feel affection for me since I have given him three sons; provide us with insight into her struggle. However, her tone had changed by the time of the birth of her fourth son, Judah, which means praise. Leah's focus was solely on God.

Although the Bible doesn't tell us the ages of Levi and Judah, it is safe to assume there were at least nine months between them. So, what happened to Leah's heart during that time? How did Leah shift her focus from gaining Jacob's approval to focusing on God? In other words, what happened in the in-between? Leah praised God. And in this, her attitude changed, and her focus on God grew more robust.

Something similar happened to Abraham, the father of faith. Abraham did not have any children and yet in his old age, even though his body was as good as dead, he believed God would make good on His promise to give him a child. So Abraham praised God and gave glory to Him. Giving glory to God communicated Abraham's total trust in God's ability to do something in a circumstance considered unchangeable. It also took his attention off the unfulfilled promise of one day having a child of his own and onto God.

Leah and Abraham became faith-full during the in-between. Their faith was strengthened by giving praise to God. When you feel unpreferred, give God glory despite your circumstance. Praise Him and see your focus shift to God. Watch as He makes you faith-full regarding His promise to you.