September 15, 2020
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Genesis 24:12, 14
WHEN ABRAHAM was growing old, he knew it was time to find a suitable wife for Isaac. To accomplish the all-important task, Abraham called on his most trusted employee, Eliezer.
WHEN ABRAHAM was growing old, he knew it was time to find a suitable wife
for Isaac. To accomplish the all-important task, Abraham called on his most
trusted employee, Eliezer. This assignment was so important he would
entrust it to no other man. "Swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and
earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite
women. Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there
for my son Isaac" (Genesis 24:3–4).
Eliezer knew what an important task he'd been given, so his first response
was to saturate the process in prayer. He asked the Lord for a clear sign
to show him which woman was right for Isaac.
We can learn something from Eliezer when we have our own big decisions to
make. That said, I don't recommend laying out specific tests or parameters
for the Lord. That's not how God works today. Eliezer didn't have the
advantages of Scripture to read or the inward leading of the Holy Spirit.
He did, however, have Abraham's promise that God would provide supernatural
leading.
Sure enough, the Lord answered Eliezer's prayer. A woman named Rebekah came
to the well and drew water for Eliezer and his camels. She was God's choice for Isaac, confirmed by this
sign. While God may not give us such tangible signs today, he does guide us
through His Word and through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our job is to
ask Him—and then listen.
REFLECT
When in your life have you sensed God's clear guidance? How can you become more attuned to His leading?
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.
JOHN 16:13