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Ask God: God had given a awesome mission to Abraham and Isaac. Now, it was time for Isaac to get a wife and she had to be a special person. Abraham sent his servant to Haran to find Isaac a wife. How would he know she was the right person for Isaac?

Good Evening Reader,

When it is decision time, what do you do? Do you go to God to seek His help? This is what Abraham's servant did when he was given the responsibility to find Isaac a wife. Seek God in all you do.

May God bless you and keep you in His love.

All Glory to God.

Elvin

God’s Guidance Through Prayer and Hospitality

Text: Genesis 24:12–27

Introduction

Life is filled with big decisions that shape our future—whom to marry, where to live, what career to pursue, and how best to serve God. These choices are often too weighty to be guided solely by human wisdom.

As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

In Genesis 24, we see a beautiful example of how God provides clear direction when His people seek Him in faith. Abraham, nearing the end of his life, entrusted his servant with a mission of great importance: to find a wife for his son, Isaac, from among his relatives.

The servant faced a daunting task—how could he possibly know which young woman was God’s choice? Rather than rely on chance, he turned to the Lord in prayer, asking for guidance. God answered through the kindness and hospitality of Rebekah, who not only met the servant’s request but exceeded it.

This story reminds us that prayer, obedience, and God’s providence work together to fulfill His perfect plan.

The Servant’s Prayer for Guidance (Genesis 24:12–14)

In Genesis 24, Abraham’s servant carried a mission of great importance: to find a wife for Isaac, the son of promise.

This was no ordinary task. The future of God’s covenant line rested in choosing the right woman. Outward beauty or wealth could not be the deciding factors—only God’s will could guide such a choice.

Standing at the well, the servant knew he could not succeed by relying on his own wisdom. So he did the wisest thing he could: he prayed. His prayer was humble and specific. He asked God to reveal the right woman, not through chance, but through her actions—her willingness to give him water and also to draw water for his camels.

This request was not random; it was a test of character, showing kindness, generosity, and a servant’s heart. From this, we learn an important principle: prayer must be our first step when facing uncertainty. Scripture urges us to seek wisdom from God (James 1:5) and trust Him to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5–6).

The question is, do we pause to pray, or rush ahead with our own plans? Like the servant, we must seek God’s wisdom before major decisions.

Rebekah’s Hospitality as the Answer (Genesis 24:18–20)

As Abraham’s servant finished praying, God’s answer came swiftly. Rebekah approached the well, carrying her jar, and when asked for a drink, she responded with hospitality and kindness.

Not only did she quickly give the servant water, but she went far beyond what was expected: she volunteered to draw water for all ten of his camels. This was no small gesture. A thirsty camel can drink twenty gallons, meaning Rebekah’s offer required hard work, strength, and sacrifice. Yet she did it willingly, without hesitation, and with a cheerful spirit.

Her generous hospitality revealed a heart of kindness and service—qualities far more valuable than outward beauty or material possessions.

What amazed the servant most was that her actions matched exactly what he had prayed moments before. This was no coincidence; it was God’s providence at work. Rebekah’s kindness became the confirmation that she was the one God had chosen for Isaac.

For us, the lesson is clear: our simple acts of service may become the very answers to someone else’s prayers. True hospitality reflects God’s love (Hebrews 13:2). Hospitality done in love can be a powerful instrument in God’s hands.

Recognition of God’s Hand (Genesis 24:26–27)

When the servant witnessed Rebekah’s remarkable hospitality and kindness, his heart overflowed with gratitude. Everything he had prayed for unfolded exactly as he had asked: the right woman appeared, she offered water freely, and she willingly served beyond expectation by watering the camels.

At that moment, the servant knew this was not a coincidence—it was the hand of God directing his steps. His immediate response was not pride in his cleverness or relief in his success, but worship.

Scripture tells us he bowed his head and praised the Lord, saying, “And he said, 'Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.’” (Gen. 24:27). The servant recognized that God’s covenant love was still guiding Abraham’s family.

From this, we learn that when God answers prayer, we must pause to acknowledge Him with thanksgiving. Too often, we rush ahead without stopping to give Him glory. This story reminds us to recognize God’s providence, trust His faithfulness, and respond with worship whenever He makes His will clear. Gratitude seals our faith and deepens our walk with Him.

Summary

Genesis 24 beautifully illustrates how God leads His people through prayer, obedience, and providence. Abraham’s servant began his mission by seeking the Lord’s guidance, showing us the importance of praying dependently.

Rather than relying on chance or human judgment, he trusted God to reveal the right woman for Isaac. His example teaches us to turn first to God when facing decisions, big or small, believing He will provide the wisdom we need.

Rebekah then stepped into the story with a heart full of kindness and generosity. Her willingness to serve—not only offering the servant water but also watering ten thirsty camels—revealed her character and became the very sign God used to answer prayer.

From her, we learn to serve generously, allowing our hospitality and everyday kindness to become instruments of God’s plan.

Finally, the servant’s immediate worship reminds us to trust confidently in God’s guidance. When prayers are answered, gratitude must follow. Genesis 24 assures us that God still leads today, weaving together the prayers we offer, the service we give, and His faithful hand to fulfill His perfect purposes.

Devotional Challenge for the Week

This week, let’s live out the lessons of Genesis 24 in practical ways. Begin each day with a prayer of dependence, asking God to guide your steps.

Look for opportunities to serve generously, even in small acts of kindness, remembering that your service may be the answer to someone’s prayer. And when you see God’s hand at work—whether in a significant breakthrough or a quiet provision—pause to give Him thanks.

God still leads His people today. Will you trust Him fully, serve Him gladly, and praise Him faithfully as He weaves your story into His greater plan?

Elvin

This is Hospitality at its Finest.

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

Go to: www.AskGodForHelp.net

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