This December I have a feeling that I’ll be periodically writing about “gifts”. So to start this month off right, allow me to share a thought that God revealed to me when reading the story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24. It’s pretty cool.
I so encourage you to read the chapter in its entirety for yourself and allow God to reveal His wonders to you, but in the meantime here’s a quick recap:
Abraham was a blessed man. A man who desired to follow and obey God. He had a son named Isaac. Abraham instructed his main servant of his household to go back to the land where Abraham was from to acquire a wife for Isaac. Not only did he tell him to go there, but that God has already gone before him to prepare the way. So off went the servant to Abraham’s homeland. When he reached his destination he prayed: The servant said, “Lord, you are the God of my master Abraham. Please show your kindness to my master by helping me find a wife for his son Isaac. 13 Here I am, standing by this well of water, and the young women from the city are coming out to get water. 14 I will say to one of them, ‘Please put your jar down so that I can drink.’ Let her answer show whether she is the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. If she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give water to your camels,’ I will know that she is the right one. It will be proof that you have shown kindness to my master.”
Okay, before I go any further in the story, please notice a few things: Abraham was faithful to God. The servant was faithful. God went before him. The servant prayed a specific prayer. Now, I’ll continue in a super-fast-forward way:
The servant and the entourage and all the camels were at the well. Rebekah approached them. God answered the servant’s prayer to the tee, but then….not only did she give water to the servant and the camels, but a place to stay for the night and all the servants’ feet were washed.
That’s where the revelation came to me…Get this:
Isn’t it so like us to put limits on God? We can say a prayer saying what we want (and, BTW He wants to you do that), and if it is His will (and it evidently was in the story of Isaac and Rebekah) God not only answers our prayers but goes way beyond!
I can just imagine the main servant (and any of us) praying a specific prayer to God and He’s up in Heaven saying, “Is that all you’ve got? No worries. And by the way, I’ve got a little something more for you too for being so faithful and loving me.” BAM!
Oh, dear friend, God so wants to bless you with His gifts.
There is so much richness in this chapter. I hope you’ll read it and appreciate God’s goodness.
I also challenge you to be specific in your prayer life. Talk to God on a regular basis. He is the best, most trusting, compassionate, loving…friend you could ever have and confide in. Obey Him, and allow God to show you all that He has planned for you.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Now that I think about it, it reminds me of my “boot blessing” titled Pray for the Little Things Too. (Click the link and read if you missed it.)
Actually, rereading this story, I’m pretty sure I’ll be revisiting this text pertaining to another “gift” that God has in store. Stay tuned.