NOT LOVED, BUT STILL BLESSED

NOT LOVED, BUT STILL BLESSED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 29:31-35
"When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren." – Genesis 29:31

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 49:15, Romans 8:31, Psalm 27:10, Deuteronomy 28:3-6, 1 Samuel 2:8

INTRODUCTION:
Human rejection does not stop divine blessings. Leah, though unloved by Jacob, was favoured by God. She bore four sons—each with a name that reflected her journey from pain to praise. Leah’s story teaches us that God’s love and blessings outweigh human affection and approval.

1. GOD SEES AND RESPONDS TO REJECTION
God does not ignore the pain of those who are unloved.

a) God Noticed Leah’s Pain
"When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb..." (Genesis 29:31).

b) God’s Love is Greater than Man’s Rejection
Even if people abandon you, God remains faithful (Isaiah 49:15).

c) God Takes Special Care of the Rejected
"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." (Psalm 27:10).

d) God Lifts the Lowly and Oppressed
He raises the poor from the dust and makes them sit among princes (1 Samuel 2:8).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph was rejected by his brothers but elevated by God (Genesis 50:20).

2. LEAH’S FIRST SON: REUBEN (SEEING GOD'S MERCY)
Leah named her first son Reuben, meaning "Behold, a son!"

a) God Opened Leah’s Womb First
While Rachel remained barren, Leah was the first to have a child (Genesis 29:32).

b) God Sees Our Pain and Acts
Leah said, "Because the Lord hath looked upon my affliction..." (Genesis 29:32).

c) God’s Blessing is Not Limited by Human Approval
Jacob may have favoured Rachel, but God chose to bless Leah.

d) Leah Thought This Would Earn Jacob’s Love
She hoped Jacob would now love her (Genesis 29:32).

e) Biblical Example:
Hagar was despised but God saw her and blessed Ishmael (Genesis 16:11-13).

3. LEAH’S SECOND SON: SIMEON (GOD HEARS OUR CRIES)
Leah named her second son Simeon, meaning "God has heard."

a) God Hears the Cry of the Afflicted
Leah said, "Because the Lord hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also." (Genesis 29:33).

b) Our Tears are Not in Vain
God hears the cries of the oppressed (Psalm 34:17).

c) God Rewards Those Who Depend on Him
Leah relied on God, and He answered her prayers.

d) Leah Still Longed for Love
She hoped Jacob would finally accept her (Genesis 29:33).

e) Biblical Example:
Hannah cried to God, and He gave her Samuel (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

4. LEAH’S THIRD SON: LEVI (DIVINE CONNECTION)
Leah named her third son Levi, meaning "Attached" or "Joined."

a) She Hoped Jacob Would Finally Love Her
She said, "Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons." (Genesis 29:34).

b) God’s Blessing is Beyond Human Relationship
Leah sought Jacob’s love, but her true connection was with God.

c) Levi’s Descendants Became the Priests of Israel
The tribe of Levi became God’s chosen priests (Numbers 3:6-12).

d) God Uses the Rejected for His Glory
Leah’s third son led to a great spiritual heritage.

e) Biblical Example:
Moses, Aaron, and the priesthood came from the tribe of Levi (Exodus 2:1-10).

5. LEAH’S FOURTH SON: JUDAH (PRAISE BREAKS THE CHAINS)
Leah named her fourth son Judah, meaning "Praise."

a) Leah Shifted from Seeking Love to Worship
She declared, "Now will I praise the Lord." (Genesis 29:35).

b) Praise Unlocks Greater Blessings
Judah’s descendants included King David and Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-3).

c) When You Praise, God Fights for You
The battle is won in the place of worship (2 Chronicles 20:22).

d) The Power of Praise Changes Circumstances
Leah moved from sorrow to victory through praise.

e) Biblical Example:
Paul and Silas praised in prison, and their chains were broken (Acts 16:25-26).

CONCLUSION:
Leah’s story shows that God’s blessings do not depend on human love or approval. She was unloved by Jacob but favoured by God. She gave birth to four sons—each with a prophetic significance. Eventually, she realised that true fulfilment comes from praising God, not seeking validation from man. Like Leah, we must shift our focus from seeking human acceptance to embracing God’s abundant blessings.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, turn every rejection in my life into divine elevation.

2. Father, let my enemies witness Your blessings upon me.

3. Every delay in my life, turn it into a testimony.

4. Lord, bless me in ways that man cannot understand.

5. Let my sorrow turn to praise like Leah’s.

6. Father, connect me to my divine purpose.

7. Lord, let my enemies see that You are with me.

8. Every spirit of discouragement, be broken in Jesus’ name!

9. I receive the grace to focus on God and not man.

10. Lord, open my eyes to see Your love in my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Though men may reject you, God’s favour will lift you up!

2. You will be fruitful in all areas of your life!

3. Every spirit of rejection is broken in Jesus’ name!

4. God will bless you beyond human expectations!

5. You will no longer seek man’s approval but God’s purpose!

6. The Lord will turn your pain into praise!

7. Your enemies will see you rise and glorify God!

8. You shall be connected to divine blessings!

9. Every sorrow in your life will end in joy!

10. Your testimony will inspire generations to come!

May the Lord cause you to rise above rejection and walk in divine favour. In Jesus' name, Amen!