I was reading in Genesis (chapters 21-24) this morning and was struck by the examples of faith lived out in the lives of some of the people. We know Abraham displayed faith in a number of ways, not the least of which was being willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice if that’s what God wanted him to do. Those of us who know that story know God stopped Abraham before he brought down the knife on his son there on the altar. But Abraham learned that day that he really did have the ultimate faith in God and God is faithful.

I read about Abraham’s servant who displayed his own faith when he went to find a wife for Isaac. The servant prayed believing God would make his way plain and God answered that prayer.

Rebekah was willing to go to Isaac, away from her family and to a man she had never seen because she had faith that what the servant said was of God.

As I read this portion of Scripture today I found myself questioning how my faith translates into my own life? When God nudges me toward doing something, talking to someone about the Lord, going somewhere, do I obey without worrying about what it might cost me?

How do you even know if what you are hearing is of God? For me the most important question is: is what I think God is asking me to do consistent with Scripture? Are there examples of similar requests of God in his Word? I don’t believe God is going to ask me to do something that contradicts what is already recorded in the Bible.

Secondly, does the idea of doing this thing pop up when I’m reading the Bible and when I pray? I think God speaks clearest when we are quiet before him.

And lastly, will doing this thing bring glory to God regardless of what the outcome is for me? If my motivation for obeying has even a hint of self-centeredness I can pretty much discount it as from God.

There are things God wants us to do, people God wants us to befriend and share the gospel with. I don’t think it’s as much, does God want me to change jobs or move into a different house as much as does God want to use me in a new setting to lead someone to his saving grace? 

My prayer is that if God lays something or someone on my heart I will have faith like that of Rebekah and answer, “Yes, I will go.”