This True Servant Depended Upon God

I was asked to teach a Sunday School lesson recently. So, I read the materials that were provided to me and spent a little time in my own Study Bible reviewing the scripture and the study notes. I found an amazing character back in Genesis in the story of Abraham's challenge of finding an appropriate wife for his son Isaac.

A Servant, Likely Eliezer, Accepts Abraham's Challenge
You can find the story in Genesis 24. Eliezer was a trusted servant, in charge of Abraham's household. Abraham laid out a task in verse 3 and he accepts the challenge in verse 9. Eliezer questioned Abraham about some alternatives he might come across. But Abraham was adamant about his instructions and Eliezer promised to follow them.

After loading camels with provisions and gifts, he headed to a distant land where Abraham's brother Nahor had settled. Scripture tells us that this servant made a plan, and submitted it to God for guidance. In verses 12-14, we see that part of his plan was simply part of the hospitality he would experience anyway. However, it was quite an act of service for someone to offer to water the animals as well. This was important insight on Eliezer's part. He was in search of a woman who had an exceptional attitude of service. 

An Answer to his prayer unfolds before him
Before Eliezer had even finished his prayer, a woman approached the well with her water jug. He approached Rebekah and asked her for a drink. What do you know? Not only did she immediately prepare him a drink of water but without being asked she said she would also water his camels. This is way beyond what would be expected of her. The camels would drink a huge amount of water after such a trek. Eliezer watched patiently as she went about doing so. Rebekah's servant spirit was clearly demonstrated. It was customary for a man (in this case his servant) to give a nose ring and bracelets as a sign of marriage. He did this and found at the same time that Rebekah's family was indeed related to Abraham. 

After learning this, Eliezer bowed and worshipped the Lord, thanking Him for showing love and faithfulness to his master.

Eliezer explains the situation
He is welcomed by Rebekah's family and explains who he is and who his master is. The family recognizes that the Lord had brought him here! They agreed to the marriage.

They asked that she remain there for ten more days, but Eliezer asked them not to delay him. 

He followed through and brought Rebekah to Abraham's son Isaac.

Impressed with the servant's approach
This loyal servant really went about this in a special way.

• He accepted the challenge
• He examined alternatives
• He promised to carry out his task
• He made a plan
• Submitted it to God
• Prayed for guidance
• He waited and watched the answer unfold
• He accepted the answer thankfully
• He explained the situation to stakeholders
• He refused the unnecessary delay
• He faithfully carried out his plan to completion

Eliezer ultimately depended on the Lord and was focused throughout the process. Do we submit our plans to the Lord and pray for guidance when we have a big decision or project?