Having miscarriages is very hard on women. Many tears are shed when this happens. This is especially true when it seems like the baby will be born and healthy and then it dies prematurely. Many women go through this, even to the point of having no children for years or their entire life, which is so sad. This is what happened to Rachel, Jacob’s wife. It is recorded, “and when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. 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?” (Genesis 30:1,2) How often do husbands get upset with their wives when they are simply grieving? Husbands of wives that are suffering need to learn to comfort and strengthen them in these dark times, as well as pray together for strength. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Genesis 46:1) Along with husbands trying to help their wives through these dark times, God’s strength is also what we need, along with His answers on what we need to do next in life.
David continued and reminded us to be still and know that God is here for us. He is our refuge in the storms of life, even when life seems unbearable at best. He said, “be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” (Psalm 46:10,11) And over time, Rachel must have continued to pray and search for answers as to why she wasn’t having any children, but her sister Leah only. We know this because after a long wait, Rachel had her first child named Joseph. The same Joseph eventually saved their whole family from starvation in Egypt. It is written, “and God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: And she called his name Joseph; and said, The Lord shall add to me another son.” (Genesis 30:22-24) Notice how Rachel acknowledged God when she bore her first son. And she was not wrong about another child, for a few years later she would have Benjamin. Praise God that she waited upon the Lord. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will help every woman who is suffering right now because of a miscarriage or having no children in general. Give them strength, oh Lord. Help them understand the reasons why they are going through these hard times. Through You, God, we can find rest for our weary souls. You take us where we are and fill us up with peace. Sweet serenity filled with joy and love. You are the giver of life and also the giver of all things that are harmonious for our lives. You are always looking out for us, although at times it doesn’t seem this way. I have felt Your love and what the world offers does not compare. You are so good, God. Your mercy, love, joy, and peace endures forever. The answers to life’s questions come from You also. This is especially true when we feel like there is nowhere else to go. You open the doors for us and fill our minds with wisdom. Sometimes it is only a prompting through the Holy Spirit, but by acknowledging it and following You, I have always been at peace afterward. I love You, Jesus. You are my God and I worship You. Amen.
