LED IN THE RIGHT WAY

Genesis 24:48 And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the Lord; and blessed the Lord God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way, to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son.

This entire chapter relates the story of finding Rebecca as a wife for Isaac - to become his wife and the mother of thousands of millions (Gen. 24:60). In the first part of this chapter, Abraham sends his servant on a journey. The servant was instructed to go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac (Vs. 4). As the servant came into Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor, he stopped at a well outside the city. Here he prayed that God would show him the women chosen to become the wife of Isaac. The servant prayed for this sign, And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also; let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac: and thereby shall I know that thou hast shown kindness unto thy master. (Vs. 14).

Immediately as he was praying to God, the woman, Rebecca, came to the well to draw water. The servant asked her the question noted above as a sign, and received the desired answer from Rebecca. Upon finding out that this was the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Nahor, Abraham's brother, the servant knew that he had been led by God to the proper place. He then prayed, giving thanks to God because he had led him to the house of my master's brethren (Vs. 27). The servant requested to stay the night with them. During this time, the servant related the story of his mission, as requested by Abraham, to find a wife for Isaac among his people. He told of the sign from God, and how it was fulfilled in Rebecca. It was at this point in the story that the servant spoke the words in the lesson text. He gave thanks to God, because God led me in the right way (Vs.48). The story of this chapter is completed as the servant returns with Rebecca. And Isaac took Rebecca, and she became his wife (Vs. 67).

We are all, at times, faced with choosing the right way we should go. Generally we have many options - many ways from which to choose. One of my favorite Yogi Berra sayings is, "when you come to a fork in the road, take it." Decisions! Decisions! From a mere babe, into teenage years, then into adulthood, and throughout older years of your life, it is always decisions, decisions and more decisions! We want to make good decisions - we want to choose the right way at every crossroads of our life, yet how do we go about it? Is there a way we can be assured of making the best possible decisions? Maybe we should do as the servant of Abraham did - ask God's help. Maybe we should pray about our decisions. As we journey through life, and come to a fork in the road, maybe we should go to God in prayer and ask his guidance. It worked for the servant of Abraham - it will work for you.

As Israel came out of Egyptian bondage and wandered through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land, God led them. God went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night (Exodus 13:21). Israel was also told much later by God through the prophet Isaiah, I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go (Isaiah 48:17).

David is a great example of one relying on God for guidance in every decision. Here are a few references of David asking God to lead him. Psalm 25:4-5, Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day Psalm 27:11 reads,Teach me Thy way O Lord, and lead me in a plain path... . Psalm 139:24 says, ...and lead me in the way everlasting. Here is God's answer to David, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye (Psalm 32:8).

God wants you to choose the right way in every decision you must make throughout your life. He wants you to be safe and secure, to succeed and prosper, to use your talents to their fullest, for the benefit of yourself, your family, and your neighbors. God offers you His advice and guidance at every crossroads in life - in every decision you must make, Ask God to lead you!