Wouldn’t you love to meet someone who has the power and influence to radically change your life for the better? Have you ever hoped to be discovered and move toward the life of your dreams? The Bible lays out some principles you need to follow before that is likely to happen.
One of the most noted men in the Bible, and indeed in history, left his homeland and headed to a place he had never been. Although things weren’t always easy, he worked hard and trusted God. Eventually Abraham was wealthy, and was given children – in his old age – who could enjoy the fruit of his labor. His son Isaac was designated to carry the family name and the greatest blessings of God, but there was a problem.
Living in a foreign land with evil customs, Abraham did not want Isaac to marry anyone who would influence him away from God, but the pickings weren’t just slim in Canaan, they were nonexistent. The best solution would be to find Isaac a wife from his hometown, but Abraham was afraid that if he sent Isaac back home, he might stay and miss out on God’s plan to give him the Promised Land. Instead, Abraham sent his lead servant to scout-out the possibilities and find the right wife. (This was way before e-Harmony!)
When the servant arrived, he prayed for a strategy that would help him find the right woman. Before he even finished praying, a very beautiful woman named Rebekah arrived at the well where he was resting. The Bible says that even though she was old enough to be married, she wasn’t – and she was still a virgin. In a day where beautiful women from successful families brought big dowries, this was unusual, but God was at work.
The servant asked for a drink of water and had agreed with God that if she also offered to water his camels, she would be the right one. When he asked, the Bible tells us:
“When she had given him a drink, she said, ‘I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.’” (Genesis 24:19 NLT)
You can read the story for yourself, but let’s just say that Rebekah and Isaac lived happily ever after and became the fore-parents to the entire nation of Israel.
What if Rebekah had been in a bad mood because of the difficult labor assigned to her or the fact that she was not yet married? What if she had shunned the stranger and acted as if she hadn’t heard? She had no idea that this old man was about to change her life.
Rebekah’s willingness to honor another person despite her own hardships; and her willingness to serve someone she didn’t even know, gave her access to the life she had previously only dreamed of; a great husband; a great home; a great family; and great wealth.
Father, teach us to honor and serve those around us. Amen.