Many times when Christians pray, their level of expectation is based upon previous answers to prayer. Often God requires that we wait upon Him in order to develop our character while also increasing our faith through the process of time. If you are maintaining a consistent walk with the Lord, you should not be surprised when God provides immediate answers to prayer. The following passage provides an example of how God met the need of Isaac through the prayer of Abraham’s servant.
1. The prayer
Gen. 24:12-15 “And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.”
2. God’s answer
“And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.”
3. His response to God’s answer
V26 “And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.”
LESSON - Take a moment to consider how God‘s sovereign power is displayed through immediate answers to prayer. He knows in advance your need, your willingness to humble yourself and ask, and your desire to glorify Him when the request is answered. He then arranges the circumstances and events of your life to intersect with His answer to your prayer without circumventing the free will of you or others. That’s my God!! He does all of this out of great love and compassion for you and me when we choose to maintain a close walk with the Lord. Consider these events regarding Abraham’s servant as you examine God’s response to Isaac’s time of prayer:
V63-64 “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.”
The next time you pray, remember that you bring your request before an all-knowing, all-powerful, ever present, always loving God who takes great joy in meeting your every need!
~Mike