I love reading about the faith of ordinary people. It is inspiring to witness Abraham’s faith on multiple occasions throughout Genesis, because he is a real human being like you and me. One instance takes place in Genesis 24, when Abraham sent his servant to find Isaac a wife.
In verse 7, Abraham’s faith is displayed when he assured his servant that God would go before him to find a wife for Isaac. It is clear that Abraham acted on this promise of God. Moreso, Abraham was also acting on the promise of God from Genesis 17, when God declared that Abraham would be the father of many nations. Abraham was living as if this promise was true, as He did not doubt that God would provide a wife and offspring for Isaac.
Something that stands out to me right away is that Abraham’s decisions were based on the truth of God’s promises to him. Abraham would not have sent his servant to find Isaac a wife or made sure that the wife was found in his relatives’ country unless he believed what God had promised. Abraham chose to boldly claim God’s promise over His life and step out in faith. God’s promises should ignite a response from us. I want to believe God’s Word is true and base my decisions on what He says, not what I think or what the culture tells me.
I love that God’s promises, covenants, or oaths are not like ours. While our contracts are not always binding, God keeps His promises, even if we don’t. Not a single promise that comes from His mouth returns to Him accomplishing nothing (Isaiah 55:11). The greatest fulfillment of His promises is seen in Jesus Christ, as Jesus is the promised Messiah from the very beginning (Genesis 3:15).
As I meditate further on the passage of Genesis 24, I delight in many more aspects of it. I love that, when Abraham addresses his servant with the task to find Isaac a wife, he does not say, “Because of my ability, desire and will, you must go!” Rather, Abraham says, “The Lord, the God of heaven…promised me with a solemn oath…” (verse 7). This is evidence that Abraham relies solely on The Lord and not his human strength, desire, or motivation.
Friend, as Abraham was a mere human acting on the truthful promises of a faithful God, so you can be, too. The Lord does not expect perfection from you. On the contrary, God searches the whole earth to find and strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. His heart’s desire is to use those who are willing to be used by Him and available to be molded by Him.
I love that Abraham did not act on a feeling; he acted on a promise from Almighty God. You can do the same, for you can know what God says to you. He has written you a book, the Holy Bible. Furthermore, you can have healthy expectations because you know who your Father is. He has revealed to you His name, and He has shown you His character in Jesus Christ, God incarnate.
May you know that the task you are called to is bigger than you, and rightly so, for as you pursue it, you will be drawn into deepest intimacy with God as you learn to depend on Him. Just as Abraham’s servant immediately sought God in prayer after receiving his task, may you acknowledge today that you need God’s help (Genesis 24:12). Then, you will walk in peace knowing that God answers your prayer before you even finish praying, for He has always known your needs. He sees you, hears you, and acts on His thoughts of you (Psalm 34:15).
Now, go and sing praise aloud to the One who keeps His promises forever. Not one of His promises will be left unfulfilled. You can step out confidently in faith, for the One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. When you depend on God, you will never be let down.
