Faced with the task of finding a wife for Isaac from the relatives of Abraham back in his hometown, a place he had never been before, the servant of Abraham was very specific in his prayers:
- He prayed for success (v12)
- He was specific in asking for divine leading and dared to ask for a sign as a confirmation of that leading – something that will help him recognise the answer from God when it came (v13-14)
- He was continually tuned to the Lord’s wavelength. “Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful”(v21)
- He worshipped and praised the Lord for answered prayers(v26 – 27).
- He did not hesitate to testify to others on how the Lord had answered his prayers. (v42-49)
The passage says “Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor”(v15). Having agreed with God on how to recognise the person, he swung into action playing out, the strategy he had agreed with God as it were! While the lady was watering the camels, “Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful”(v21)!
The Lord’s promise through Isaiah still stands true that “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear”(Isa.65v24). The Lord Jesus in the sermon on the Mount instructed his servants to ask, seek and knock. He said “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”(Mat. 7v7-8).
Lord Jesus, Help me today and always, to dare to take you at your word and pray with faith that you are willing and able to answer if only I dare to ask in your name. Help me to expectantly wait for your answer as I pray. Amen
