Hagar is not the only other wife we find in scripture. Sex, infertility, a struggle for power, and the selling of nightly visits are not uncommon in the pages of Genesis. When multiple wives are center stage drama is bound to ensue.

Leah, though Jacob’s first bride, came second to the love of his life, Rachel. The competition between these two sisters had repercussions in their children’s interactions. Genesis 29:31 (ESV) states, “When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb.” God saw Leah’s loneliness and rejection as the other wife, and He blessed her. He did not allow her to go without her husband’s favor. In fact, he blessed her with many sons. He did not allow her to be pushed to the side, forgotten, unwanted. Rachel saw Leah’s blessing and became jealous, and suddenly a race for who could bless Jacob the most began. Each wife gave their servants to Jacob to bear more children. Competition reared its ugly head. The competition became so heated that the two women began to barter for time in Jacob’s bed; at one point, Rachel sold her evening rights to the other wife for a handful of mandrakes, known for their fertility. Between the two women, their handmaids, and intense jealousy, Jacob was blessed with twelve sons and a daughter.

Often in life I find that I am not satisfied with where I am. Whether it is the desire for more children, a better career, more time at home, moving or staying put - contentment often eludes me. My desires often conflict.

Leah had the blessing of children. Rachel had the blessing of Jacob’s love. Each had something great but wanted what the other had.

What’s remarkable to me in this story is that their unrest, their unhealthy jealousy and competition turned to good. God used their human flaws and He blessed their family. He blessed them with 12 sons who would represent the 12 tribes of Israel.

Has God ever used your flaws to bless others? I know He has provided me with opportunities to minister to others and to better understand them through the experiences of my own mistakes.