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The DEEP

Letting Go

We want to control things, but faith means letting God be God.

Genesis 24:55-61 (ESV)

Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman remain with us a while, at least ten days; after that she may go.” But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” They said, “Let us call the young woman and ask her.” And they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will go.” So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham's servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become thousands of ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of those who hate him!”

Then Rebekah and her young women arose and rode on the camels and followed the man. Thus the servant took Rebekah and went his way.

In one final, glorious twist, the last piece of the plan falls into place. Remember the servant’s words, “Perhaps the woman will not follow me,” in his recitation of how this all came to pass? It seems that Rebekah’s family is now keying off those words. Maybe they’re just hoping she’ll say no and the whole thing will be called off. More likely, they acknowledge the LORD’s hand is this and are willing to let their own will be subservient to His.

If so, they’re violating the patriarchal nature of their culture. They’re letting Rebekah choose. They really meant it when they said, “The thing has come from the LORD; we cannot speak to you bad or good.” They’re now going to let this play out exactly as the servant envisioned it.

In any case, they cede control of the situation. That’s the essence of faith. When people use the word “Lord,” what do they mean by that? These folks really mean, “Lord.”

All too often, people call Jesus, “Lord,” but they insist on maintaining control of their lives. They want Jesus to do them favors, but they don’t want Him to tell them what to do.

But the words, “Lord,” and, “servant,” can’t be synonyms.


Almost all our prayers ask God to “do” something. But if Jesus is Lord, we should often be asking him to “command” or “say” or even “teach” something. We need to look to Him for guidance or illumination more than assistance.

We readily admit our ignorance. We know we need His advice and direction, but we almost never ask for it. This isn’t some great act of rebellion; it’s simply a matter of habit. It’s how we were taught to pray.

Let’s break the mold. Let’s put something bold before the Lord.

What are the things that challenge your faith? Is there a Bible verse that you just don’t get? How about something that happened in the past that you struggle to accept? Pray about that.

Just lay it before the Lord and ask Him to clear your mind. He honors such humble prayers.


The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Mike Slay

As a mathematician, inventor, and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, Mike Slay brings an analytical, conversational, and even whimsical approach to the daily study of God's Word.

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