Take Away Our Disgrace

I am currently in the midst of studying the life of Joseph in the Bible study “Finding God Faithful” by Kelly Minter. A couple of weeks ago, I was impacted by the phrase “God has taken away my disgrace” used by Rachel in Genesis 30:23 after she had finally given birth to her son.

Finding God Faithful, Bible Study Book By Kelly Minter Trace the path of Joseph’s life in the Book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance. His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable. (8 sessions) Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups Personal study segments to complete between 8 weeks of group sessions Interactive teaching videos, approximately 35 minutes per session Benefits: Place your hope in the God who is with you. Learn to trust God’s purposes when life doesn’t make sense. Recognize how God is working in your waiting. Rest in the sufficiency of God’s presence in every circumstance.

Sometimes in life, we are dealt circumstances that leave our reputations ruined or disgraced either because of something we have done or by no fault of our own. Rachel found herself in a cultural environment in which she was shamed because she was barren for a very long period of time. In her day and age, it was believed that a barren woman was being punished by God. She was feeling ashamed that she could not produce an heir for her husband and was being demeaned by the other women who were producing heirs for her husband.

I can totally feel Rachel’s pain! My husband’s prison sentence made the front page news of our small community. No one cared about the truth behind the headlines or really even tried to understand what had really happened. And, at this point in time, it doesn’t really matter because he had to spend 3 1/2 years in prison anyways.

It will forever be a part of our life history. However, I am learning to embrace our story and encourage others who are going through very difficult situations in life. I could try to hide it or not mention it, but all of the hurt and pain is part of the story that God wants to redeem.

We are still enduring residual effects of everything that happened. I can’t yet proclaim that God has taken away our disgrace, but it sure is the prayer of my heart.

For Rachel, her disgrace was removed by the birth of her promised son, Joseph. He would go on to save the Hebrew nation when a great famine hit the land. I understand the great joy that children can bring your life. I’m not sure what the event or circumstance will be that removes the disgrace in our life, but I look forward to the day that I can praise God for that very thing.

God, take away our disgrace!