But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you may go.”
Genesis 24:55 (NIV)
Lord, as I read how Laban and his mother responded after agreeing that Rebekah could depart with Abraham’s servant to be Isaac’s wife, I not only see the foreshadowing of how he would later treat Jacob (delaying what You have declared inevitable) but also see how I have on many occasions done the same. When You have made clear what You would have me to do and it in some way conflicts with what I want to do in the moment I can find myself second guessing whether You actually have given me the direction or find some reason to hold off. After all, Laban and his mother’s request for her to remain just a little while longer does appear innocent on the surface. They love her and will not see her again. It is only when I look at it against the backdrop of what You have revealed, that You made the encounter happen, and later see how You would use it to comfort Isaac (Genesis 24:66) do I see that the response is actually counter to what You have purposed to happen.
Show me today where I am putting off what You have declared for me to get done. Give me a godly sense of urgency regarding the things of You. Help me to truly discern those subtle notions that well up from within me and from the pressures of those around me, seeing them from Your perspective against Your revealed will. Grant me the spiritual fortitude and courage to be like Abraham’s servant and declare, “Do not detain me.” And give me a deep-seated sense of calling so that I can respond when presented with options like Rebekah was to say I will go where You are leading. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.