INTRODUCTION

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Bible Point:

God helps us grow in hard times.

Key Verse:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Big Picture:

Trust God to use hard times to help you grow.

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Genesis 29:15-30

As you get older, you are starting to realize that life is not always fair or easy. You may have seen people hurting each other online, at school, or even in your own life. These experiences can lead to big questions, including why God would allow hard things to happen. This week, you will explore those questions in a safe and thoughtful way. You will learn that we may not fully understand why bad things happen, but we can trust that God can bring good even from difficult situations. As you study, you will see how God can work through hard times to bring strength, healing, and hope. This can help you start to make sense of the tough moments you see or face yourself.

PLANTING THE SEED

Deception was Laban’s middle name. In Genesis 29:15-30, Jacob’s uncle Laban had allowed young Jacob to live with him and work with his livestock. But when Jacob fell in love with Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel, Laban saw an opportunity to get rid of two daughters for the price of one! Jacob asked for Rachel’s hand in marriage, so Laban agreed—but only if Jacob was willing to work for Laban for seven years in exchange. Jacob agreed (he really loved her) and worked for Laban for seven long years without complaint. Finally, when the time was served, Jacob was given Rachel’s hand in marriage.

Only it wasn’t Rachel! Laban had dressed up his older daughter, Leah, to look like Rachel, and gave her to Jacob instead. By the time Jacob discovered the truth, he was already married—to the wrong woman! Jacob demanded an explanation from Laban. The trickster said he could also marry Rachel— in exchange for another seven years of work. Jacob agreed (he really, really loved her) and finally got to marry Rachel. But he was stuck working for Laban for another seven years.

• What do you think about Jacob tolerating such harsh treatment from Laban?

• When have you faced an unfair situation?

FAMILY FUN

Are members of your family facing tough times right now? Get together and encourage each other. Let each person talk about the tough times they are facing, and then tell one another how each of you believe that person is equipped by God in that tough time. Read Romans 8:28 together and thank God that he can use hard times to do GOOD things in our lives. See how the hard times you’re facing NOW just brought you closer as a FAMILY because you prayed about them?

READY, SET, GROW!

Now choose at least one response from the “Response Chooser” as your Daily Challenge, and write a prayer to tell God your commitment.