Prayer

"A Prayer for Success" is Omartian's next focus in her devotional prayer study. The passage to reflect on is Genesis 24:1-27. Omartian emphasizes the selfless attitude of Abraham's servant, whom "was most likely Eliezer". I've read this passage of Scripture so many times; yet, each time I failed to see Eliezer's selflessness. Rather, I saw a person who tested God to receive something in return. Abraham requested Eliezer to complete the following task:  "go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." When Eliezer arrived in the city of Nahor, he prayed the LORD would give him success and "show kindness unto [his] master Abraham." This kindess would be shown by the answer to his prayer. The request? That the woman at the well who offerred water not only to Eliezer but to his camels as well would be the very woman God "appointed for [His] servant Isaac". Eliezer wasn't testing God. Yes, his prayer was certainly specific, but he had an important task to carry out. He wasn't thinking of himself; on the contrary, he was thinking of his master. Rebekah appeared before Eliezer finished his prayer. She was the one God appointed for Isaac. Receiving the answer to his prayer, Abraham's servant "bowed down his head, and worshiped the LORD." Eliezer gave credit where credit was due. His answer to prayer was a testament to God's faithfulness and divine intervention. How limited my thinking! Omartian has a special way of bringing to light little pieces of a story that mean so much; if taken out, the true message can be easily missed. I believe testing God comes from a selfish heart. Eliezer didn't test God because He wasn't focused on his wants; rather, he knew the significance of his responsibility and that it would be God alone Who would ultimately provide a clear path. Omartian ends this study with these words:  "Like Eliezer, walk so close to God that you're able to put aside what you might want for yourself in order to succeed at what God wants for you."