“But you will not go out in haste, nor will you go out as fugitives; For the Lord will go before you, And the Lord God of Israel will be your rear guard” - Isaiah 52:12 (NIV)

One may ask what is the most important item for a journey. There is a travel app that offers travelers with advice on weather conditions which helps them avoid danger spots. For those about to hit the road this is quite helpful. Money. An emergency tool box. All good. But there is something else far more important.

When Isaac came of age his father Abraham wished him to marry from his people they had left far behind. So he called out one of his able servants to go back to his people and get Isaac a wife. Of course this servant got out the camels he needed and all the things important for the journey. Once he got to the town of Nahor which was his destination, this servant who remains unnamed, did something remarkable and memorable.

“Then he prayed, “Lord, you are the God of my master Abraham. Make me successful today. Be kind to my master Abraham” (Gen 24:12). The servant asked God for a sign to help him know if he was in the right place. “Before he had finished praying Rebekah came out. Then the man bowed down and worshipped the Lord. The Lord has led me on this journey (Genesis 24: 15-27). Eventually he returned with Rebekah after explaining to her family his mission, who blessed her to go. “Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands, may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies” (Gen 24:60).

Every one of us is on a journey. Some not far; others far beyond through hills and valleys. Each day we set may we ever remember that the most important part of our journey is prayer, which brought success to this unnamed wise servant.

Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the loving name of Jesus that as I set out on the journey of life, you bless me as you did to Abraham’s servant!