JANUARY 8 – Reading 8
“GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR WIFE”
(Genesis 23:1 – 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:32-33; Genesis 25:5-11)
“O Lord, God … Let the young woman … be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac.” – Genesis 24:12, 14
One of the most interesting things to learn about a couple is how they met. It’s a great way to get to know someone. Without doubt, the second most important decision a person makes in life.
Based upon the attention that God gives it in scripture, the choice of a spouse is of highest importance. Abraham finding a wife for his son Isaac is the longest single narrative in the book of Genesis. Why? The future of a people and a nation depended on men and women who would faithfully follow God and establish strong families – those who would seriously and intentionally pass on their faith to future generations.
Here are two truths we can learn from today’s text.
- It is worth any, and all trouble to find the right spouse.
Abraham’s status would have given him the pick of Canaanite women. But these were pagan people fully immersed in a culture that worshiped foreign gods and idols. Abraham must have a God-fearing bride for his son.
God gives specific instruction to his people that we should not marry those who do not worship the one true God whole-heartedly. He warned that our hearts would be led astray and come under the same judgment as the godless nations. It is better that we live life unmarried than be unequally yoked. This is not a light matter.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your path.
The servant’s first action when he reached his destination was to pray and to seek God’s guidance. God promised his people that He would protect them, provide for them, and lead them into his perfect plan. We often make decisions based on our own desires and then ask God to bless what we’ve done. This is a formula for disaster! God knows best, not only for me but for generations to come.
Be patient! God is never wrong and never late. Isaac waited 40 years for his bride but it proved to be a blessing that still runs through history.
Let’s Pray…
- To prioritize in a future spouse someone deeply rooted in their relationship with God.
- For vigilance in choosing relationships that honor God, committed to following his word on this matter, even if it requires sacrifice.
- That my choices today would lead to a legacy of faith and blessing for future generations.
About our Author
John A Pra was born and raised in Queens, NY and has lived almost all of his life in the metropolitan area. After graduating from Bible college (now University of Valley Forge) he entered into full-time pastoral ministry. John and his wife, Diana, have been living in Carlstadt since 1990, pastoring Cornerstone Church and now at Transformation Life Church since 2022.
John and Diana have been married for 39 years and have three children and one granddaughter (who owns them). Besides loving time spent with family, he enjoys sports, reading, travel, and the golf course.
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