Faith, Prayer, and God's Guidance in Decisions

Devotional

Day 1: Prayer is a Prerequisite to Every Big Decision

Before making any significant decision, seeking God in prayer should be our first step, not our last resort. Abraham’s servant, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, did not rely on his own wisdom or cultural traditions but instead turned to God, asking for guidance and success. This act of prayerful dependence set the tone for the entire journey, reminding us that God desires to be involved in every aspect of our lives, from the monumental to the mundane. When we pray first, we invite God’s wisdom, direction, and provision into our choices, trusting that His plans are always better than our own. [35:36]

Genesis 24:12-14 (ESV)
And he said, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”

Reflection: What is one big decision you are facing right now, and how can you intentionally pause to pray and seek God’s direction before taking your next step?

Day 2: Be Watchful for God’s Answers

After praying, it is vital to remain alert and expectant for God’s response, rather than moving on and forgetting what we have asked. Abraham’s servant watched closely at the well, looking for the sign he had prayed for, and was ready to recognize God’s answer when it appeared. Too often, we pray and then become distracted, missing the very answers God sends our way. Cultivating a posture of watchfulness keeps our hearts tuned to God’s activity and helps us to see His hand at work in our lives, even in unexpected ways. [49:59]

Genesis 24:15-21 (ESV)
Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her water jar on her shoulder. The young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known. She went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. Then the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water to drink from your jar.” She said, “Drink, my lord,” and she quickly let down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink. When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels. The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the Lord had prospered his journey or not.

Reflection: Think of a prayer you have recently brought before God—are you actively watching for His answer, and what might it look like for you to be more attentive today?

Day 3: Prayer Aligns Us with God’s Will, Not Ours

Prayer is not about persuading God to do what we want, but about seeking His will and aligning our hearts with His purposes. When we approach God in humility, we acknowledge that His understanding far surpasses our own, and we surrender our desires to His greater plan. Abraham’s servant did not try to manipulate the outcome but trusted that God would reveal the right woman for Isaac. In the same way, we are called to seek God’s will above our own, allowing Him to guide our steps and transform our desires. [41:38]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Is there an area where you have been trying to convince God to bless your plans? How can you shift your prayers today to seek His will instead of your own?

Day 4: Celebrate and Give Thanks for Answered Prayer

When God answers our prayers, it is important to pause, give thanks, and celebrate His faithfulness. Abraham’s servant responded to God’s provision by bowing in worship and acknowledging God’s kindness and guidance. Too often, we move quickly from one request to the next, forgetting to thank God for what He has already done. Gratitude keeps our hearts humble and reminds us that every good gift comes from Him. Sharing stories of answered prayer also encourages others and brings glory to God. [56:35]

Genesis 24:26-27 (ESV)
The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord and said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the Lord has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”

Reflection: Recall a specific prayer God has answered for you—how can you intentionally thank Him and share this testimony with someone else today?

Day 5: Humility is Essential in Prayer and Faith

A humble heart is open to God’s leading, willing to admit its own limitations, and ready to surrender to God’s wisdom. Abraham’s journey of faith was marked by growing humility, as he learned to trust God more deeply with each step. True humility in prayer means recognizing that we do not have all the answers and that we need God’s guidance and provision. As we humble ourselves before God, He promises to lead us in what is right and teach us His way, building our families and our lives on a foundation of faith. [58:09]

Psalm 25:9 (ESV)
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to admit your need for God’s help and humbly ask Him to lead you today?

Sermon Summary

The story of Abraham in Genesis 24 offers a powerful lesson about faith, family, and the essential role of prayer in every major decision. Abraham, now advanced in years, faces the critical task of finding a wife for his son Isaac—a step necessary for the fulfillment of God’s promise to build a great nation through his lineage. Rather than relying on tradition or his own wisdom, Abraham entrusts this responsibility to God, instructing his servant to seek a wife from his homeland, but with the conviction that God Himself will provide the right woman. This act demonstrates Abraham’s deepening faith, a faith that has grown through years of trusting God in increasingly difficult circumstances.

The servant’s journey is marked by prayerful dependence. He does not approach his task with a checklist or by weighing pros and cons, but by seeking God’s guidance and waiting for clear confirmation. His prayer is specific, asking God to reveal the right woman through her actions at the well. Remarkably, before he even finishes praying, Rebekah appears and fulfills every sign he had asked for. This underscores the importance of not only praying, but also being watchful and expectant for God’s answers.

The narrative also highlights the need for humility and surrender in prayer. True prayer is not about manipulating God or convincing Him to bless our plans, but about seeking His will and aligning ourselves with His purposes. Abraham’s story reminds us that faith is not static; it grows as we repeatedly choose to trust God, especially in matters that are beyond our control. For families, and especially for fathers, there is a call to spiritual leadership—to cover our loved ones in prayer, to model dependence on God, and to celebrate His faithfulness when He answers.

Ultimately, the journey of Abraham’s servant ends in worship and gratitude, recognizing that every answered prayer is a reason to give God glory. The story challenges us to bring our deepest concerns to God, to watch for His answers, and to humbly surrender our plans to His greater wisdom.

Key Takeaways

1. Prayer is the foundation for every significant decision. Abraham’s example shows that before making choices about the future—whether for family, career, or relationships—seeking God’s guidance through prayer is essential. This posture of dependence acknowledges that God knows our needs before we even ask and that His wisdom far surpasses our own. [35:36]
2. Faith is meant to grow through repeated acts of trust. Abraham’s journey—from leaving his homeland, to being willing to sacrifice Isaac, to entrusting his son’s marriage to God—demonstrates that faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. Each step of obedience builds a deeper confidence in God’s faithfulness, inviting us to trust Him with ever greater areas of our lives. [38:56]
3. True prayer seeks God’s will, not our own agenda. It is easy to approach prayer as a means of persuading God to bless our plans, but the biblical model is to seek alignment with His purposes. This requires humility, a willingness to surrender our desires, and an openness to God’s direction—even when it challenges our preferences or expectations. [41:38]
4. Watchfulness and discernment are vital after we pray. Too often, we bring requests to God but fail to look for His answers, missing the ways He is at work. The servant’s attentiveness at the well models a posture of expectation, reminding us to remain alert and discerning, ready to recognize God’s provision and confirmation when it comes. [49:20]
5. Gratitude and humility should follow every answered prayer. When God responds, it is easy to focus on the blessing and forget the Giver. True spiritual maturity is marked by returning to give thanks, celebrating God’s faithfulness, and acknowledging our dependence on Him. This posture of worship keeps our hearts humble and our faith vibrant. [56:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:20] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[24:52] - Abraham’s Journey of Faith
[25:26] - God’s Promise and the Test of Sacrifice
[26:59] - Entrusting Isaac’s Marriage to God
[28:42] - Abraham’s Instructions to His Servant
[30:39] - The Servant’s Prayer for Guidance
[31:20] - The Problem with Modern Decision-Making
[33:16] - Prayer as a Prerequisite for Decisions
[35:36] - The Role of Prayer in Everyday Life
[38:56] - Growing Faith Through Obedience
[41:02] - The Purpose of Prayer: Seeking God’s Will
[42:40] - Watchfulness for God’s Answers
[47:59] - God’s Immediate Answer at the Well
[51:16] - Confirmation and Discernment
[53:30] - The Spiritual Responsibility of Fathers
[55:54] - Celebration and Worship After Answered Prayer
[58:38] - Humility and Surrender in Prayer
[59:14] - Building Families on Faith
[59:54] - Surrendering Our Plans to God

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 24:1–27 (ESV) — (You may want to read the entire chapter for context, but focus on verses 1–27 for this study.)

Observation Questions

What specific instructions did Abraham give his servant about finding a wife for Isaac, and why did he insist on these details? ([28:42])
How did the servant approach his task differently than someone who might rely only on their own wisdom or a checklist? ([30:39])
What was the servant’s prayer at the well, and how did God answer it? ([47:59])
After the servant’s prayer was answered, what was his immediate response? ([55:54])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Abraham chose to trust God with such an important family decision instead of following the usual customs? What does this reveal about his faith at this stage of his life? ([28:42])
The servant’s prayer was very specific, and God answered it before he finished praying. What does this teach about God’s awareness of our needs and the way He sometimes responds? ([47:59])
The sermon mentioned that true prayer is about seeking God’s will, not just asking Him to bless our plans. How does this challenge the way people often approach prayer? ([41:38])
Why is it important to be watchful and expectant after we pray, rather than moving on and forgetting our requests? ([49:20])

Application Questions

Think about a recent big decision in your life (family, work, relationships, etc.). Did you make prayer a foundation for that decision, or did you rely more on your own wisdom? What would you do differently next time? ([35:36])
The servant waited and watched for God’s answer at the well. Are there any prayers you’ve prayed recently where you need to slow down and watch for God’s response instead of rushing ahead? ([49:20])
The sermon talked about the danger of using prayer to try to “convince” God to bless our plans. Can you think of a time when your prayers were more about your own agenda than seeking God’s will? How can you shift your focus in prayer? ([41:38])
Abraham’s faith grew through repeated acts of trust, not just one big moment. What is one area of your life where you sense God is inviting you to trust Him more deeply right now? ([38:56])
For parents (and especially fathers), the sermon challenged you to cover your family in prayer and model dependence on God. What is one specific way you can pray for your family this week, and how can you let them see or hear you doing it? ([55:22])
When God answers your prayers, do you take time to thank Him and celebrate His faithfulness, or do you move on to the next request? What is one practical way you can build gratitude into your prayer life? ([56:35])
The story ends with worship and humility. Is there a concern or plan in your life right now that you need to surrender to God’s greater wisdom? What would it look like to do that this week? ([59:54])

Sermon Clips

Let’s face it, the problem with submission is that we’re not going to like where we who we have to listen to and yet blowing it. When we operate without prayer, how many bad decisions have we made in our lives because we didn’t stop to pray? Prayer is a new focus. Not a new focus, but a bigger focus for hope. These days we are beginning to use prayer more than we ever have. Because I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but God is doing something new and fresh with our fellowship. [00:36:10] (61 seconds) #PrayerFocusTransforms

It needs to become a working part of our life, something we automatically do. The scripture in fact says pray without ceasing. We're always constantly aware of God on his throne and we can talk to him at any moment, at any time, because the Father knows what you need before you ask him. [00:39:18] (35 seconds) #PrayWithoutCeasing

You see, Abraham knew he could send the servant and the servant would trust God to show the right woman. Because he knew God knew before he even had to ask, he knew. He said that to his servant, God will provide. I'm just sending you to find her. He wasn't telling his servant to pick her. He was telling his servant to find her. Big difference. [00:39:53] (38 seconds) #TrustGodToProvide

A lack of prayer leads to depending on ourselves. And I think the Bible is pretty clear when it says, lean not on your own understanding. Basically it's saying, don't do that. Don't lean on what you know. Don't rely on yourselves. Prayer is our way of relying upon God. And that's what Abraham is doing. [00:42:08] (35 seconds) #RelyOnGodNotSelf

``Now, here's my point, because I know you're thinking, could you get to one? My point is God answered that prayer. And I am proud to say that same young man is my son in law. Today. When I pray, baby, things happen. And since coming together and coming into the family, he has become a true believer in Christ. His parents have become true believers in Christ. God started a bunch of dominoes falling because my daughter wanted a date to the dance. [00:47:06] (53 seconds) #SpiritIntercedesForUs

When we go to the Lord in prayer, the worst thing we can do is not be looking for his answer. So many times we pray about things. Because right now, today, that's a big deal right now. Today I'm in trouble, and I need God to do something. But 24 hours from now, I've forgotten all about it because life changed, circumstance changed. I just got focused on a new shiny object. And we forget that we have laid something at the feet of Christ and we're waiting for his answer. We should be watching for his answer. [00:49:03] (48 seconds) #DadSetsSpiritualTone

You see, dad, we sometimes are going to have to admit we don't know we don't have the answer. And that's when we look for God's answers. Prayer requires humility. It requires looking for the answers. It requires waiting on the Lord for confirmation. And it requires. Giving God the glory. [00:57:53] (46 seconds)

Have you taken your biggest concern to the Lord yet? Are you surrendering it to Him? Are you watching for his answer? You see, our families must be built on faith. And our faith grows through prayer. It begins with prayer. Abraham wanted his family built on faith. And that meant even trusting God with his daughter in law. [00:58:54] (46 seconds)

Let me remind you, God has a plan. And we need to surrender our plans to his plans. So many times our prayers are, Father, bless this, bless that, bless this. And we're just asking him to bless our plans. Instead we need to be humbly surrendering to his plan. [00:59:41] (36 seconds)

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