Trust and Patience: Genesis 24:29-49
Relationship with God allows us to trust Him; trust in God translates into an ability to rely upon His timing. God doesn’t force Himself upon others. God gave Adam and Eve freedom in the Garden of Eden. When God called Abraham, God invited Abraham invited Abraham into relationship rather than coercing him. God knows relationship is based on free will.
Laban, Rebekah’s brother, sees Abraham’s steward, the camel train, and his sister. Laban comes out to meet them and invites them in. He provides shelter, food, and bedding for the camels. He offers hospitality to Abraham’s steward.
At this point, the steward’s character shines. Rather than sit down and eat, the steward talks about God’s provision. The steward puts God’s mission ahead of his own needs. He talks about how God’s blessing of Abraham and God’s provision for his own mission through meeting Rebekah.
The steward gives a beautiful example of what God does in our lives. Like the steward, who marches into Rebekah’s life unexpectedly from the desert, God comes to us and presents a beautiful opportunity when we haven’t done anything to deserve it. Like the steward, who brings samples of Abraham’s wealth as a dowry for the bride, God comes to us and blesses us as a foretaste of our life to come with Him eternally. Like the steward, who enters Rebekah’s home, God comes to us and offers to dwell with us.
Perhaps most significantly, the steward comes into Rebekah’s home and offers a choice. The steward explains his commission, puts Abraham’s offer on the table, and then steps back to allow the family time to decide. The steward applies no pressure. The steward only asks if the family is interested in the offer or if the steward should go somewhere else.
It is the same with God. God wants relationship with us. He extends His grace and love. He wants us to become family with Him. In the end, though, He steps back and lets us decide. He does not force us to accept His offer. He gives us choice in accepting His offer.
If we accept God’s offer, He stays with us and dwells with us. If we are not interested in His offer, He goes somewhere else to dwell with people who are interested in relationship with Him and hopes for the day we are interested. God is willing to be in relationship with anyone, but He is not interested in forcing that relationship upon anyone.
Abraham’s steward displays incredible faith in this part of the story. His focus on God and his ability to put God’s will before his own needs is commendable. His ability to remain permissive and allow Rebekah’s family to make their own decision is remarkably mature. He leans upon his faith. Relationship with God allows us to trust Him; trust in God translates into an ability to remain flexible and rely upon His timing.
