Genesis 38: Students

Hidden Blessings

Genesis 38:8-9 (New Living Translation) - "Then Judah said to Er’s brother Onan, 'Go and marry Tamar, as our law requires of the brother of a dead man. You must produce an heir for your brother.' But Onan was not willing to have a child who would not be his own heir."

We often find ourselves navigating situations we didn't choose, just like Onan in Genesis 38. Maybe you're asked to participate in a group project with students you don't know well, or you have to spend time helping a sibling with their homework when you'd rather be hanging out with friends. It's easy to resist these situations and wish for things to be different.

Onan, too, resisted the situation that he was put in. His reluctance to fulfill his duty resulted in missing out on a blessing that he couldn't foresee - being part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

The Bible shows us that unexpected responsibilities can lead to unexpected blessings. So next time you find yourself in a situation you didn't choose, remember Onan's story and open your heart to the potential blessings that God might have in store for you.

Pause & Pray:

1. Pray for the grace to accept situations that are beyond your control and see the potential blessings in them.
2. Ask God to help you fulfill your responsibilities, no matter how challenging they may seem.
3. Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize and appreciate God's blessings, especially when they come in unexpected ways.