Desperation Is A Powerful Motivator

In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” 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?” Genesis 30:14

Is there someone near you who has everything you want? You’ve kept your distance because being anywhere near them is too painful. Now, in what seems like a cruel joke, they’ve been blessed yet again with something that would be lifesaving to you but it’s in their hands, notyours. You consider what it might look like to swallow your pride enough to beg.

Such was the story of Leah and Rachel. Leah bore Jacob many sons. Rachel had none.  This was more than agonizing for her. To add fuel to the fire, Leah’s son came in from the field with mandrakes – a plant believed to have properties that cured barrenness. Rachel was willing to do anything at this point to have children – even if it meant asking Leah for her son’s mandrakes.

When I believe that my fate lies outside of God’s providence, I just may do the unthinkable.  I’ll assume a false posture of friendship to win over my enemy, the one whom I believe is the key to moving forward. If I ask this person outright for what they have, they probably won’t share but if I pretend to be their friend and come bearing compliments, they may succumb.

Maybe you are in a desperate place today because someone who has little heart for you possesses the very thing you need. If I’m in a situation similar to Rachel’s, what do I do?  This is when it’s time to rest in life-saving theology. 

• It is not up to my ingenuity to secure my future.
• The timing of my blessing and the length of my wilderness is in God’s trustworthy hands.
• Internal blessings are always mine even though externals are temporarily non-existent.  

When another has what I think I need, I must remember that God has what I need. When He gives it, there will be a celebration of His glory. But, if I force someone else to give it by prying his hands open, the party is hollow.

I know, Lord, that the test of your character in me is what I will or won’t do when I’m desperate.  Your grace is powerful enough in those moments to hold me fast.  Amen