Finding God's Best

The story of how Isaac met Rebekah stands as one of the most beautiful love stories in ancient Scripture. But beyond the romance, this narrative from Genesis 24 offers timeless wisdom for anyone seeking to discover God's plan for their life, particularly in the realm of relationships and marriage.

Abraham was old when he faced a critical dilemma. His son Isaac was well into his late thirties or early forties, still unmarried, and living in a land where suitable partners who worshiped the one true God were virtually nonexistent. Isaac wasn't unmarriable—quite the opposite. He was strong, worked the fields, came from a wealthy family, and would have topped any "most eligible bachelor" list of his day. Yet he remained single, not because something was wrong with him, but because the right person simply wasn't there yet.

This teaches us something profound: God's best is worth waiting for. We live in a culture that despises waiting. We avoid waiting rooms, hate long lines, and grow impatient when things don't happen on our timetable. But when it comes to life's most significant decisions, especially marriage, rushing ahead of God's timing can lead to settling for second best.

The question isn't whether we'll wait, but whether we trust that what's at the end of the wait is worth it. And when it comes to God's plan, it always is.

Abraham gave his most trusted servant a clear mission: travel back to his homeland and find a wife for Isaac from among those who knew the one true God. This wasn't arbitrary preference—it was spiritual necessity. Abraham understood that true oneness in marriage requires unity at the deepest level of being.

The New Testament makes this principle explicit: believers should not be bound together with unbelievers. This isn't about superiority or judgment; it's about the fundamental design of marriage. Two people becoming one is impossible when they're completely different at their core. If one person follows Christ and the other doesn't, they're divided where it matters most.

For young people navigating the world of dating and relationships, this principle must be non-negotiable. God's will never contradicts God's word. No matter how nice, sweet, or attractive someone may be, if they don't share your faith foundation, they're not God's best for you.

When Abraham's servant arrived at his destination, his first action was prayer. Standing by the city well, he prayed, "O Lord, God of my master Abraham, grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham."

Notice how he prayed based on God's character—His steadfast love. This is the second time this crucial descriptor of God appears in Scripture, and the servant built his entire prayer on this foundation. He didn't just ask for what he wanted; he aligned his request with who God is.

The wisdom literature reminds us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." When we're seeking God's will, prayer isn't optional—it's essential. Pour out your heart to God. He already knows your thoughts, feelings, longings, and needs. As you wait, pray. And as you pray, base your requests on God's character and His promises.

When Rebekah appeared at the well, the first thing noted about her was that she was "very attractive in appearance." Physical attraction isn't wrong—it's natural and good. But it cannot be the main attraction.

The servant had devised a test, not as a random sign, but as an assessment of character. He asked for water, hoping the right woman would offer to water not just him but also his ten camels. This wasn't a small task—camels can drink up to thirty gallons of water after a long journey. The woman who would do this would demonstrate generosity, a servant's heart, and remarkable character.

Rebekah did exactly that, revealing the kind of person she was at her core.
For anyone considering marriage, the primary question isn't "Are we in love?" or "Are we attracted to each other?" Those things matter, but the foundational question is: "Does this person have godly character? Is this God's best?"

As one wise grandmother used to say, "Don't fall in love—you can fall off a hay wagon. Make a wise choice about whom to love."

Here's a practical exercise: Write down what you believe God's best in marriage looks like. Put physical attraction on the list if you want, but make sure "a Christian who's growing in the knowledge of God" is at the very top. Then commit to two things: First, only date people who fit that profile. Second, look at your list and ask yourself, "What kind of person would someone like this be looking for?" Then work on becoming that person.

God's ideal for sexual relationships is clear and countercultural: abstinence before marriage, abundance within it. Scripture teaches that we should "abstain from sexual immorality" and "control our bodies in holiness and honor."

This isn't about God robbing us of joy—it's about Him giving us the greatest joy. Research consistently shows that couples who didn't have sex before marriage have the best chance at long-term marital happiness. God designed sexuality, and He knows what produces the deepest fulfillment.

In our sex-saturated culture, this standard seems impossible. But God is a God of redemption. For those who've made mistakes, there's hope in what might be called a "second virginity"—a commitment from this point forward to follow God's best. When someone says, "With God's help, I want to honor Him in this area from now on," He blesses that commitment.

Three times in the story, Abraham's servant bowed down and worshiped the Lord—when he recognized God's leading, when he shared the story with Rebekah's family, and when they agreed to the marriage. He never stopped praising God for His guidance and provision.

God's best is worth celebrating. When He answers, when He directs, when He provides, worship should be our natural response. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks—for this is God's will concerning you."

When Rebekah's family heard the story, they recognized God's hand in it. "The thing has come from the Lord," they said, blessing the union wholeheartedly. They even sent Rebekah's nurse with her—a woman who would stay with the family for three generations, so beloved that when she died, they called the burial place "the place of weeping."

This illustrates a vital principle: significant others in your life should confirm God's major choices, especially in marriage. The people who know you best can often see things you can't. Seek godly counsel. Listen to your family and close friends. Their blessing matters.

The story concludes beautifully: Isaac and Rebekah met, fell in love, and married. If any marriage in Scripture was "made in heaven" besides Adam and Eve's, this was it.
The message is clear and timeless: God's best is worth waiting for. Whether in marriage or any other major life decision, following God's principles, bathing choices in prayer, prioritizing character, seeking purity, maintaining gratitude, and listening to godly counsel will lead you to the fullness of joy found in God's perfect plan.

The path of life God makes known leads to His presence, and in His presence is fullness of joy. That's a destination worth any wait.