Genesis 23 & 24 -- Right In The Middle Of God's Will

“Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way.”  Yes, he was now about 140 years old.  His wife Sarah had died, and his son Isaac was now 40.  The one thing Abraham didn’t yet have was the thing God had promised first – many descendants.  Isaac was the only member of his “family of the promise” and the clock was ticking.

Even so, Abraham didn’t want to make a mistake.  He consulted God and determined that Isaac should marry (in the Middle Eastern way at the time) someone from his own family.  The problem was that they were all back near Ur in modern day Iraq – far from the Promised Land. 

Abraham knew well how easy it might be for Isaac to “settle” there for less than God’s best if he returned to find a wife.  After all, Abraham’s father had settled after leaving Ur, and Abraham had been called out to continue the trek to the Promised Land.

Abraham sent his servant instead and Isaac was apparently fine with it, evidently knowing through his eyes of faith that he would be right in the middle of God’s will.  True to His word, God set everything up, answering the servant’s prayer for God’s assistance even before it was out of his mouth!  Rebekah’s family wanted 10 days to say goodbye, but she was excited to meet the husband God had planned for her, and the rest is history.

Father, I want to be right in the middle of Your will for my life as well.  Steer me away from anything that’s not of You.  Help me to see You moving in the circumstances of my life, and let me never pass on an opportunity You have set up just for me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford