Eve, A Crowned Jewel

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (Genesis 4:8 NIV)

Beautiful One, what happens when someone's actions are hurtful, and their consequences affect you directly? What happens when a child, spouse, parent, or sibling does the unthinkable? How do we move forward when the pain holds us back?

I have spent a lot of time thinking about Eve, the first woman. In my opinion she is the crown God placed upon creation. God formed and fashioned her according to his own image using a rib from the Adam, the first man. God didn't just call her out, He carefully and skillfully took his time with her. (I like to think that God saved the best for last.)

Eve was beautifully formed and chosen, given by God himself in the Garden Of Eden to be a companion and helper to her husband. Eve was fully equipped to provide Adam with love, companionship and the help he needed. I think we sometimes forget what an incredible treasure woman is.

Eve was created and existed in a beautiful place, but heartache and hardship were just around the corner.  Adam and Eve were banished from the lush garden when they disobeyed God said turned their ears to the voice of another.

Adam and Eve were shamed and suffered the consequences of their choices and were left to pick up the pieces and move on as best they could. Eve eventually gave birth to sons Cain and Abel. The first family emerged, ready to take on the world. Or so they thought.

But one day, Cain killed his brother. Can you imagine how Eve felt? Losing a child is unthinkable to me, but to know that one of your children killed the other one is completely unimaginable.

No matter what we think of this woman, we must conclude that she loved her boys. Can we imagine for a moment how torn her heart must have been?

Earlier God promised Eve, that out of her would come the One (Jesus) who would crush the head of evil. Cain and Abel came from Eve. Now, one is dead, and the other one? Well, he was gone for good. Eve lost both sons and surely the promise of God darkened in her sight.

Beautiful One, what do we do when we start out together with a loved one, then something happens and suddenly, we are torn apart from all that we were and have known together? A part of us dies when we experience the pain of being wounded in ways that are unimaginable. It's hard enough to recover when strangers or acquaintances hurt us, let alone our very own family members.

Sometimes it can be so hard to see other families together. Seeing them happy and connected just reminds us of what we're missing out on, because for some of us, our families aren't happy. They are intertwined with chaos, heartache, and injustice.

Come to think of it, maybe that's why Jesus said, "Your enemies will be members of your own house" (Mathew 10:36 NIV). Do we really understand what He was saying? Maybe He said it so that on one particular day, we will come into the understanding that not everyone who started with us, may be there when we finish.

Beautiful One, actions from loved ones can be hurtful, sometimes with no justifiable reasons to attach to them. But don't allow the actions of others to dull the dream of what will be. Sometimes we get distracted by what is and we forget that God isn't finished yet. Eve lost hope that day, but our God is faithful.

Adam and Eve had another son, Seth. God really was telling the truth when He said out of this one woman (who made mistakes and endured heartache) would come the One. Through Seth came the lineage of Jesus Christ. Jesus did crush the head of evil, and he's not done yet!.

No matter what your going through, even if no one understands, or seems to care, remember that God will wipe those tears from your eyes. He will turn your mourning into dancing, what He did for Eve, He can surely do for you.

Beautiful One, just believe, because God will turn everything your way!