Dear Ones,

Hope you had a great weekend! We will be heading home early tomorrow morning so I am sending tomorrow’s devotion out tonight. We had a wonderful day as we all went to Lily’s soccer game (2-0) and then out to eat afterwards. Fortunately it was only 78 degrees rather than the formerly predicted 90 degrees. We have enjoyed our time here so much. Prayers appreciated for our trip home tomorrow.Devotions from Judy’s heart
I don’t know how many times I have read the story of Rebekah being met at the well by Abraham’s servant who is looking for a wife for his master’s son Isaac. I get it that the servant would ask for a sign, as his mission is to find a wife for Isaac from the family relatives. Often I do the same, as I ask the Lord for a sign or sense in my spirit if I have a decision to make. There may be two or more options, which one do I take?

Abraham’s servant took his responsibility seriously and prayed for quite a huge sign, in my opinion. It was that the one that God had chosen for Isaac’s wife would give him a drink of water when he requested, and also that she would respond by saying she would water his camels as well.That is no small favor for ten camels who drink about to thirty gallons of water apiece. My thought has always been: what kind of a girl was she that would make such an offer? She probably would not have been spoiled or afraid of hard work. Probably not one who felt entitled, as she showed kindness to a stranger. Her heart must have leaped when she was told about Isaac and I’m sure she listened carefully with an open heart. To go with the servant would mean leaving behind her family and all the familiar, and travel a long distance to what was totally unknown. She had to make the choice and she didn’t have long to make it.

Sometimes God asks each of us to make a choice between what is familiar and comfortable to go into the unknown. We don’t know what awaits us, and we have to chose if we will respond in faith. Al and I were tested on that when we were happy in our parish with the kids involved in many activities, and then came a call to another church. We did lots of praying, and first came the willingness to let go of our comfortable present situation to go into the unknown. Rebekah was faithfully doing her work also when she was called to leave, and she responded and was rewarded with a life of blessing with a godly man whom she came to love.

As each of us serves the Lord and responds to his leading in obedience, our heavenly reward is great! One day we will be with the Lord forever, and as Paul wrote in I Cor 2:9, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” I’m sure Rebekah was overwhelmed by the riches of her new husband, but it doesn’t compare to the riches awaiting us in glory.

Challenge for today. Before saying “No” to something the Lord asks of you, pray for a willing heart.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy