Genesis 29

In an age not known for romance, when young people often waited for their parents to arrange their marriages, Jacob fell profoundly in love with Rachel. It was one of those “love at first sight” deals. He really did love her. But, as with custom, Jacob has to earn Rachel’s father’s (Laban) blessing to marry her. And, it wasn’t uncommon for a man to offer a gift to the father for his new bride.

The problem was, Jacob was penniless. After traveling hundreds of miles on foot, to some, he might appear a poor catch. He certainly had nothing to offer Laban for the woman he fell madly in love with. But, Laban offered him a deal- since he had nothing of value to give, he could give of himself. If Jacob would commit seven years of his life as a servant for Laban, he could marry his daughter.

So, out of his love, Jacob worked for Laban seven years. However, at the end of those seven years, Jacob’s reward was not exactly what he was expecting. At the wedding ceremony, he was met with a very unpleasant surprise- as he lifted the veil of his new bride only to see, not Rachel, but her older sister (and unattractive), Leah. This almost seems like a scene from a cheesy romantic comedy!

Laban explains to Jacob that it is not custom to marry off the younger daughter before the older. So, he had to marry Leah before Rachel. And, if he wanted Rachel too, he would have to work another seven years.

Jacob complied. 

Out of his pure love and devotion to Rachel, Jacob worked a total of fourteen years as a servant and married a seemingly unattractive older sister. How many of us would be willing to do the same? We’re so eager to rush into relationships because everybody else is, but what about the time we should give to the Master? There’s a saying that says, “You get what you pay for.” The same could be said here. Commit yourself to the work of God, and he will reward you with your desires.

And, at the end of this, all I can think is, two years just doesn’t seem so bad.

It’s a theme of love. Well, I should say, a theme of one’s perception of love. The love experienced in relationships, dating, and marriage. It seems as if many of the people I’m following are blogging and reblogging posts that deal with love, and their desires and aspirations for future love. Perhaps, it’s part of the season—nobody wants to be “alone” for the holidays. I have even found myself blogging about that aspect as well. But, I feel as if there is simply too much emphasis being put on this “love” scene, and not enough emphasis being put on the One who is Love.

Read more

apostoliclady:

…where I have nothing left but God…I have nothing to do but hold on tightly to my promises and pray like there’s no tomorrow. He is teaching me how to wait…but I’m being impatient. Something tells me that God will do what He says He will do when I learn to just trust in Him and relax. I try to remind myself that all I have is time, and as long as I’m using it to serve Him then everything will be ok. 

Read More

Everybody needs to read this—all of it.

(Source: moreofhimlesofme)

Paul Washer (via alightforrevelation)

(Source: thesweetermelody, via clothedingrace)

This has to be one of the most epic marriage proposals ever! Not that I’m thinking of getting married any time soon. But, if ever I do propose, mine will rival that of this proposal.

littlethingsaboutgod:

To be able to worship God in such a beautiful day…

Only when we fall in love with Jesus Christ and build our lives completely around Him can we experience human love and romance in its purest and most beautiful form

- Leslie Ludy

(via coffeebooksandjesus)

nathanpersuasion:

Marriage.

“When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I’ve got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn’t know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was…

A Godly woman: 

• Always Seeks to be Modest in Her Dress
• Always Seeks to be Holy in Her Conduct 
• Always Seeks to be Truthful in Speech and Motives
• Seeks to be Gentle and Quiet
• Seeks to Care for the Home
• Seeks to Serve Others
• Strives to be a Person Who Can be Trusted
• Seeks to be Prudent in Financial Matters
• Seeks to be a Hard Worker
• Seeks to Do the Right Thing and Have a Good Reputation
• Seeks to Internalize Biblical Wisdom
• Seeks to Live Out the Secrets of Womanhood

Now that’s my kind of woman!

Source: http://goo.gl/1a49d