Prayer is a Powerful Tool
Throughout the Biblical narrative we see many examples of God using people from all kinds of places and backgrounds to fulfill His purposes. One such person is Eliezer of Damascus. He was a servant in Abraham’s household.
Abraham trusted this faithful steward a great deal. In fact, he valued him to such an extent that he sent Eliezer to Nahor, entrusting him to find Isaac a suitable wife amongst the family’s relatives.
This was an involved and challenging task for Eliezer. Yet, as a faithful and obedient servant, he knew he must find a way to carry out Abraham’s wishes. The choice he made would have a significant impact on the family for generations to come.
Eliezer chose to act in faithful prayer, seeking a sign from God to indicate who the right choice of wife should be for Isaac. Eliezer asks God to have God’s chosen woman offer to water not only himself but to his camels also. Rebekah filled the bill and she returned with Eliezer to the household of Abraham.
Eliezer is a good example of how to approach a challenging situation. He had immense confidence that God would show him the answer to his puzzle. Eliezer’s approach was to seek God in prayer and trust in His answers.
The interesting thing about how Eliezer solved his problem was that he did not look inward. Instead, he looked outward. He knew the answer to how to find an appropriate mate for Abraham’s son was not something he could find within himself. Eliezer knew he must look to God for direction, trusting that our all knowing God would provide the best solution.
Our family has had many challenges in recent weeks. It has been hard to know which direction to take trying to manage a very ill child, work, and family. At times I have been overwhelmed, confused, and heartbroken.
Uplifted along with my prayers were the prayers of many faithful believers across our country. Those prayers have sustained my family and have helped us through these uncertain and trying days. We have felt the strength of those prayers. Those prayers helped us focus outward – to our God who directs and protects us.
Along with the prayers has been the faith that God has us in the palm of His hand. We know that He is caring for us, nurturing us, and sustaining us. As we struggle to figure out our way through all this, God continues to offer guidance.
My friend, perhaps you are feeling somewhat lost or hurt right now. Maybe life is taking unexpected turns and you wonder how you will ever navigate the turbulent waters in your life. I pray you will look outward in prayer to the only One who can help you through whatever life is throwing at you. Praying through whatever is happening is critical.
As an aside, we are very grateful to have our dear child on the road to recovery. It has been many weeks of uncertainty and trauma. As a mom, it has been heart wrenching to watch my child suffer so much. But God is gracious and merciful and He has given us the strength to survive all this. There have been days when I wondered how we can move forward but looking outward to God in prayer has made a huge difference.
God hears us and He listens to the depths of our pleas. In His all-encompassing wisdom, he gives us the answers we need when we need them. I pray you find that in your life as well.
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