Pray with Expectation

Read Genesis 24
 
Genesis 24:48 “Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master's niece to be his son’s wife.”
 
THIS is one of my favorite Bible stories. Obeying God’s directive, Abraham sends his chief servant Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac. The servant has expectations of what the future bride will say and do. Even more – and this is especially good – he has a sure faith that El Shaddai – the LORD – will answer his prayers.
   This trustworthy servant Eliezer is a wonderful model for the Christian life. Too often it seems, we pray with a reserved faith: “God, help me if you will. I hope things will do what I desire.” It seems we expect God to say, “No.” or, “Later.” Indeed, he can answer our prayers in that. And he often does.
   But there must be something more in how we pray. This scripture tells us through Eliezer to pray in this way: (Genesis 24:12) “O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” Do you hear the expectation and worship? And he does not pray for his own benefit, but he prays for God’s kindness on Abraham. The “Lord’s Prayer” is certainly one of worshipful expectation: “Your Kingdom come, your will be done. Give us this day…forgive our sins…rescue us from  the Evil One.” (from Matthew 6:10-13) are appeals of expectation. And so must our prayers be.
   Consider that Eliezer was traveling a great distance to the land he had left with Abraham some 60 years earlier. He was going to meet a family he did not know. Still, there is something very important Eliezer did know. He knew who God is. He knew what God can do. He has experienced God’s miraculous work. Abraham’s servant has watched the LORD protect and prosper Abraham. He has witnessed the LORD’s judgment on sin. He has lived with Isaac, the promised son, born to Abraham and Sarah. Eliezer is seeking a wife for a son no one on earth believed would be born. Now Eliezer faithfully walks with HE IS to see God fully answer his worshipful, expectant prayer.  
   There are many ways life’s circumstances can challenge our faith. If that is so with you today, remember Abraham and Eliezer. Understand the enormous faith challenges that God brought to them. Remember the faith journey Abraham experienced. Sometimes his faith was weak. But his faith became so strong he obeyed God’s command to take Isaac to the altar. Pray you believe in God as the faithful Eliezer did. Pray with the expectation and faith the Lord has taught us. Then open your eyes to see God deliver his answer. Yes, he will say, “No.” and “Later.” He will say, “Yes.” Faith is trusting his answers to know his will is your blessing.
 
Pray and See: What journey are you traveling? Pray and see God’s response to you.