Twenty-two people in the Bible who had to be more patient than you: Rebekah - 18 August 2023

The story of Rebekah is a testament to patience, unwavering faith, and the fulfilment of God’s promises. As she left her home to marry Isaac, Rebekah received a blessing from her brothers, envisioning her as the mother of multitudes.

Little did she know that her path to motherhood would be marked by two decades of waiting and trusting in God’s plan. Imagine the emotions Rebekah must have experienced as she faced the reality of childlessness as the years passed. In a culture where bearing children was deeply valued, her patience and faith were remarkable.

Twenty years of waiting did not diminish Rebekah’s faith; rather, her faith grew stronger. Her steadfastness in believing God’s promise serves as an inspiration to us today. Like Rebekah, we may also encounter seasons of waiting and uncertainty. In those moments, it’s easy to question God’s timing or grow impatient. Yet, Rebekah’s story reminds us that God is always at work, even when his plan unfolds more gradually than we anticipate.

In Genesis 25:21 we read, “Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.” This verse emphasizes the power of prayer and God’s response to the cries of his people. It was in this context that Rebekah’s patient faith intersected with God’s faithfulness.

Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for the example of Rebekah’s patient faith. Strengthen our faith, Lord, as we seek your will and wait for our plan to unfold. Just as you fulfilled your promise to Rebekah, we trust that you will fulfil your promises in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen