A Story of Faith, Favoritism, and Forgiveness

We have all, at some point, come across the story of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac. Her narrative, found in Genesis chapters 24 and 27, portrays a woman of remarkable beauty, a caring heart, deep prayerfulness, and steadfast godliness. Rebekah’s faith and love for God were instrumental in shaping her destiny. Unlike many who might succumb to complaints about their circumstances, Rebekah allowed God’s love to guide her life.

However, Rebekah was not without her flaws. A recent teaching by my sister, Tammy Trayer, offered fresh insights into Rebekah’s story. I invite you to listen to Tammy’s teaching here

In Genesis 27:1-23, we see Rebekah’s human side. She became pregnant with twins, and God revealed to her that the older would serve the younger. This prophecy led Rebekah to favor Jacob over Esau, while Isaac preferred Esau. This favoritism is not unique to families; it can also manifest in workplaces and communities, causing trust issues, lowered morale, and breeding hatred.

Tammy Trayer’s teachings offer profound lessons on dealing with favoritism and hurt:

1. Write It Down: Inspired by Habakkuk 2:2, writing down our burdens and visions is crucial. “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” We prevent our adversaries from exploiting our spoken words when we document our struggles and dreams. Written thoughts remain private, giving us control over our narratives.

2. Forgive: As taught in Matthew 6:14-15, forgiveness is vital for spiritual freedom. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Forgiveness is akin to decluttering a closet; it clears out the unwanted, making space for what truly matters. It allows us to organize our thoughts and emotions, enabling us to move forward without the burden of past grievances.

3. Pray: Prayer is our most powerful tool. Through prayer, we commune with God, seeking strength and guidance. Prayer helps us forgive and allows us to pray for those who have wronged us, asking God to soften their hearts.

Rebekah’s story, coupled with Tammy Trayer’s teaching, offers a roadmap for navigating favoritism and hurt. We can transform our pain into growth and our grievances into grace by writing down our struggles, embracing forgiveness, and committing to prayer.

What have you learned from Rebekah’s story and Tammy Trayer’s insights? Share your thoughts in the comments. Be blessed.