Here’s Part 1 in case you missed it. We’re looking at Eliezer’s mission to find a bride for Isaac. We left him beside a well as he sought God’s guidance. Then Rebekah entered the scene…
Had Eliezer found Isaac’s bride? Rebekah seemed a good choice, but Eliezer had more to do.
Eliezer Waited for God
It is so easy to pause, toss out a quickie prayer, then jump back into decision-making mode. Do we not owe God the courtesy of waiting for Him to act after we’ve asked His help? I understand waiting can engender tough moments, given God’s time schedule and ours may not mesh. We’re looking for resolution by a certain time and He delays his response. Perhaps there are circumstances He’s orchestrating. Perhaps there’s a character trait He desires to hone inside us. We don’t always understand God’s purposes.
Waiting is hard work.
As Rebekah hurried to draw water for the camels, Eliezer waited in silence (Genesis 24:21) to know if she was the answer to his prayer. He sensed God was at work, Rebekah gave the right answers, but Eliezer waited for God to confirm the matter.
While we wait for God, here are 3 actions to avoid:
1. Don’t assume – Assuming requires no proof. We take a wild guess produced by our internal musings, and off we go. There’s no data to support our position, but we’ve convinced ourselves we know the answer.
2. Don’t presume – Presuming is more authoritative than assuming. We gather tidbits of evidence then make an interpretation. For Eliezer presuming might follow this path – “I’m in Nahor. Isaac needs a wife. Rebekah’s a girl. She must be the one.”
3. Don’t resume – When God delays, our reaction may be panic. We may be tempted to charge ahead. God loves to answer prayer and it honors Him when we seek His input. Proverbs 3:5-6 are well-used verses but they are not worn out. Claim them. Then rest in the confidence that God hears our prayers.
What should we do while we wait?
Eliezer Worshipped God
Eliezer praised God before the business was completed. Giving God thanks and praising His name before the matter is resolved takes faith. Eliezer blessed God and gave him credit for the needed guidance. He was certain God would bring the matter to closure (Genesis 24:27 and 48).
What does confident worship look like?
Genesis 24:27 (King James) “… I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren…”
Genesis 24:27 (Amplified) “…As for me, going on the way of obedience and faith the Lord led me to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”
Genesis 24:27 (The Message) “…You led me right to the door of my master’s brother!”
We often reach decision points in life and need help. We approach God for direction. We wait for Him to act, and in the meantime, we praise Him for the completed transaction even though we aren’t sure how He will work.
We just we know He will!
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