God Guides

READ: GENESIS 24:1-28, 58-59; JAMES 1:5-8

In Genesis 24, we find a beautiful story of God leading and guiding a man who is called Abraham’s “servant, the elder of his household who managed all he owned” (verse 2). This servant, who is kind of like Abraham’s steward, is sent back to Abraham’s land to find a wife for Abraham’s son, Isaac.

The servant arrives in the land and stops to rest at a well with his camels. He prays to God, saying “I am standing here at the spring where the daughters of the men of the town are coming out to draw water. Let the girl to whom I say, ‘Please lower your water jug so that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels also’—let her be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaac’” (verse 13-14).

One of the significant parts of this story is that even while the servant is still praying, Rebekah arrives at the well. Before the servant even finishes his prayer, God provides. When Rebekah gives the servant and his camels a drink from the well, the servant knows that God has answered his prayer and that this is the woman for Isaac. Later in the chapter, the servant says, “I knelt low, worshiped the LORD, and blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who guided me on the right way” (Genesis 24:48). Rebekah learns all this and agrees to marry Isaac.

Just as God led Abraham’s servant on the right way, God also leads us on the right way when we ask Him. He loves us, and He wants to provide guidance for us. Because of Jesus’s sinless sacrifice, we have the freedom and ability to come to God with all our requests. And once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us. So whenever we feel uncertain about what to do, we can ask God for guidance, and we can trust that He will lead us on the right way. Then we can thank Him through worship, just as Abraham’s servant did. • Elizabeth Cooper

• God gives us guidance through His Word (the Bible), His Holy Spirit, and His people (the church). We can learn about God’s character, His good ways, and the kind of life He calls us to live through His Word. We can learn to discern His guidance through the Holy Spirit living in us. And we can hear His wisdom from trusted Christians He has placed in our lives—people who love Jesus and whose lives reflect the kind of wisdom described in James 3:17-18. Can you think of any ways you’ve received guidance from God’s Word, His Spirit, or His people? Consider taking a moment to thank God for His guidance in your life.

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel. Psalm 32:8 (CSB)