What role does faith play when facing life's "great distress," as in Genesis 35:17? The Setting: Rachel’s Distress “During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.’” (Genesis 35:17) Rachel’s agony is real, physical, and overwhelming. Yet right in the middle of that pain, a voice calls her to set fear aside and look in faith to what God is doing—bringing forth a covenant son. A Midwife’s Words of Faith • The midwife does more than assist physically; she speaks truth that steadies the heart. • Her exhortation, “Do not be afraid,” echoes the Lord’s recurring command throughout Scripture (Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:32). • She anchors Rachel’s focus not on the danger but on God’s promise of life continuing through Jacob’s line. Seeing Faith at Work in Crisis • Faith lays hold of God’s character when circumstances scream otherwise (Psalm 46:1–2). • Faith shifts the narrative from “I might die” to “God is still fulfilling His word.” • Faith does not erase pain; it interprets pain through the lens of divine purpose (Romans 8:28). Lessons for Our Moments of “Great Distress” 1. Faith listens for God’s voice above the din. – Scripture supplies the “midwife words” we need (Psalm 119:92). 2. Faith refuses paralyzing fear. – “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). 3. Faith anticipates God’s ongoing work even when outcomes seem bleak. – “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Living Faith Amid Suffering: Practical Steps • Speak the promises aloud—Rachel heard reassurance in real time; we can do the same with verses like Psalm 34:19 and John 16:33. • Surround yourself with faith-filled voices—midwives of courage who point to Christ. • Practice thankful remembrance—recall past deliverances (2 Corinthians 1:10). • Obey in the moment—Jacob names the child “Benjamin,” affirming life and covenant even as grief descends (Genesis 35:18). Promises to Cling To • “Fear not, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10) • “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19) • “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) Encouragement for Today Faith is not a vague optimism; it is confident trust in the God who keeps covenant, even in the delivery room of anguish. As Rachel’s story shows, the Lord transforms moments of “great distress” into chapters of fulfilled promise. When fear presses in, let faith press back, convinced that the God who brought life through Rachel will likewise bring His good purposes to completion in every believer who clings to Him. |
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