30:1-24
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Verse 2. God closes and opens the womb. God is in control of when a woman can become pregnant.
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If you are a woman praying for children, trust God's will. God taught something to Leah and Rachel throughout their difficulties to get pregnant.
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Verses 14-17. Mandrakes were a flower that was used as a fertility drug. Rachel wanted the flowers because she thought that it would help her become pregnant. But the Scripture says that Rachel became pregnant because “God listened to her”, not because of the mandrakes.
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We can learn two things from this. First, it is ok for a woman to try to use medicinal means to become pregnant. However, (and this is the second point) no matter how hard we try to make things happen in our favor, nothing happens without God's approval.
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So remember that God is the source of all good things in your life (James 1:17). You rely on God's grace for everything. This is what God was teaching Leah and Rachel in this time.
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30:25-43
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Jacob sets for us a good example here. It was more rare for a flock to produce spotted and speckled goats. Jacob was asking for a very small wage from Laban's flock.
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If you are partnering with someone in business or life, and you will ask for help from them, it is important that you ask for little, as your way of showing that you do not seek someone else's wealth as a way of gaining your own. Show that you are not greedy for what belongs to someone else (2 Thessalonians 3:12).
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Next, Jacob used his own skills and labor to produce his own wealth—to multiply the numbers of the flock that were for his own wage.
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Verse 43. This teaches us that we can gain great wealth, even starting with little, if we know how to work hard and skillfully.
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31:1-18
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Verses 2-3. It is better not to continue in business with someone if your success has caused them not to favor you anymore. Be wise about who you partner with!
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Verses 7-9. Although your hard and skillful work is important, God grants favor and wealth. Remember that God is your source. Do not grow prideful because of your success.
31:19-31
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It will create problems if you do not tell people about your actions, if those actions will affect them. Do not be afraid, be open about your plans with others, and do not act suddenly.
31:32-35
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Know everything you can about the actions and behaviors of the people you associate with, if you intend to speak for them to anyone. In most cases, let them speak for themselves.
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Say about others only what you have seen for yourself to be true in their lives. Do not assume. Otherwise, this could put someone in an embarrassing position, as Rachel was put in such a position.
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31:36-55
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Overall, as Laban felt that he owned Jacob's wealth, sometimes people will feel like they own yours if they helped you get started in gaining your own wealth or growth. This type of situation can make a relationship difficult.
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Therefore, again, it is especially important that you do everything in your power to work for your own gain, to avoid any ill-feelings between you and your partners.
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Verses 42,49-50. Jacob's good conduct and agreement with Laban made it obvious that he was innocent, in the end. God will defend you if you keep your integrity in all situations.
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