“He said, ‘O, Lord, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.’ “ Genesis 24:12
Abraham entrusted The Servant with a daunting task, the selection of a bride for his son Isaac. It would involve a perilous journey back to Abraham’s homeland, and the persuasion of a stranger to follow him back home to become the bride of man she had never seen. Little wonder that he prayed…
“Please grant me success today.”
This simple statement was not a request for more treasure. It was a prayer for God’s timing. He was asking God to allow him to be a part of a Divine appointment. He didn’t want to miss it or to be late for it. The word success carries the meaning of a meeting or a junction. The Servant was praying for God’s timing to be perfect, so that he would be at the right place to meet the right young lady, at the right time.
In God’s view of success, timing is everything. Missing God’s best is always a matter of being out of touch with God’s timing for your life. Getting ahead of God separates you from intimacy with God, as much as running away from God. Both reveal a spirit of independence. The Servant declared his dependency on God for success. NOW is the right time to get in step with God, and to meet with Him. Don’t wait too long.
The Servant, having observed his master’s response to life, followed Abraham’s lead and expressed his own dependency upon God. When facing this overwhelming task, The Servant turned to God in prayer. Abraham had taught him well.
“Behold, I am standing by the spring…” Genesis 24:13
The Servant was on high alert for God’s answer to his prayer. His prayer had been one of child-like simplicity and humble expectation. His expectancy in prayer was reflected by his posture. He was standing up, looking over the horizon expecting the answer to come.
The woman The Servant had in mind for Isaac was not filled with a spirit of entitlement. He set a very high standard. The potential bride would not be lounging in her tent surrounded by servants meeting her needs. She would not be focused on having her needs met, but she would be a channel of blessing to someone she had never met.
The Servant asked God to lead him to a woman with ministry eyes, and a heart of hospitality. Her response to his need would reveal all about her character The Servant needed to know. It always does.
“’Drink , and I will water your camels also.’” Genesis 24:14b
Ten camels hauling a great deal of merchandise in an arid climate require an enormous amount of water. Reports vary, but thirsty camels are able to drink between 25-50 U.S. gallons of water at one time. But I digress.
The wife The Servant had in mind for his master’s son would not be a lazy woman. She would have to draw, haul and pour 250-500 gallons of water from a spring and into a trough until ten camels had their thirst quenched. The Servant prayed for a young woman with a servant’s heart, and a strong back.
“’…May she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.’ “ Genesis 24:14c
Lovingkindess is not to be confused with benign benevolence. It reveals the powerful, passionate nature of the character of God. His lovingkindness is not provided because people deserve it, but because they need it, and they ask for it.
Answered prayers are intimate expressions of God’s lovingkindness. To those humble enough to ask, patient enough to wait, and expectant enough to watch, He reveals and releases His mercy to them.
NOTE TO SELF: You will never be more successful than your prayer life. God answers prayer. When you are prayerless, you are clueless. Who you are before God in private prayer is who you really are, no more no less. When you pray, you are calling upon God for the one thing you need most, His mercy. You don’t deserve it, but ask for it. You need it. Wait for it. Receive it. TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!