God's Will, God's Way
24 She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” 25 And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.” 26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.” (Genesis 24:24-27)
As Isaac mourned the death of his mother, Sarah, Abraham arranged for a trusted servant to go and find a wife for Isaac. The servant was understandably worried that no woman would be willing to come back with him to marry a man she'd never met. So Abraham reassured him that if the woman would not return with him the the servant was released from his agreement with Abraham. On his way, the servant prayed earnestly that God would give him success and that he would know for sure that he was choosing the correct woman for Isaac.
Rebeka could not have imagined that being hospitable to a stranger at the well would lead her to marry someone she'd never met - or even seen. Yet, here she was, lowering her cup so this man could drink, and then offering to get enough water so his camels could drink their fill as well. Abraham's servant had prayed that such a gracious response to his request for water would indicate that God had led him to the right woman. Kindness, generosity, beauty, and an adventurous spirit defined Rebeka and enabled her to be open to God's will.
Each person had to place their trust in God in order to make room for, and be open to, what God was doing. First, Abraham saw his son's need and sent his servant to handle what he could not. Then, the servant was obedient in what seemed like an extremely unlikely mission. And finally, Rebeka - much like Abraham when God told him to leave everything to go to a place God would eventually show him - was brave and
faithful in the face of uncertainty.
May we strive, each day, to listen for and be obedient to the nudges of the Spirit, and trust God with the
mystery that awaits us.
20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:20-21)
8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. 10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you. 11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, 12 to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. 14 The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. (Psalm 145:8-14)
