Beautiful or Not, It’s God’s Plan

Dear lovely people,

I have written a lot and made videos about self-image and still feel like keeping on. Have you comprehended the desperation in those women who want to be rated top on the beauty scale?

Think of the downright slavery some put themselves through in order to have smashing looks. Go on social media and see the level of anxiety in those who showcase their self-crafted magnificence to the world. Have you asked yourself why God made you the way you came into the world?

When I read Genesis 29:17, I realized God himself dealt with this already but some especially women just refuse to get the lessons. While reflecting on how to put this through, I came across what Heather Creekmore (and author and speaker I admire) wrote with regards to Genesis 29:17 and had nothing more to add but to give you as she wrote it…

Leah married Jacob only because her father pulled a bait and switch on her sister’s would-be groom. And yet, what happens? Leah bears Jacob many sons, one of whom is in the lineage of Jesus Christ. God uses the “uglier” sister, a twisted wedding night deception, and a whole lot of crazy competition between the “sister wives” to establish a home for the eventual twelve tribes of Israel, one of whom was Judah (the forefather of the Messiah).

When Leah names Judah, she says, “This time I will praise the Lord” (what Judah literally means). She reveals to us that her heart is in a different place after this baby’s arrival. The names of her other sons reflect a desire to have her husband see, hear, and pay attention to her, but, when Judah comes along it seems Leah has finally realized that fulfilling God’s purpose is more satisfying than the attention of any man.

God is sovereign (Romans 9). He uses whom he wants, when he wants, according to his purposes. The blind man was born blind to accomplish God’s purpose (John 9:2-3). Leah was born with “weak” eyes also to accomplish God’s purpose.

Isn’t it possible that some are given great physical beauty as a part of God’s plan for their lives and others are not and that doesn’t really matter? Why is it not okay that physical beauty be just another attribute that doesn’t carry the weight of ultimate importance in our lives…just like some are blessed financially or others are given great musical talent or administrative gifts? 

Maybe God doesn’t apologize to us for not making Leah as beautiful as Rachel because it doesn’t really matter what she looks like, he still knows how he will use her to accomplish his purpose and that, alone, will bring great fulfillment.