Daily Devotionals for Women - Today's Encouraging Word from Scripture

AN ALLY FOR YOUR FAMILY

Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh, that I may make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” Genesis 24:1-4

Who near you is a spiritual ally for the spiritual life of your family? Who loves them because you love them? Who will invest for their future with sacrificial acts on your behalf? I think of how many deathbed requests have been made. “Please take care of my son, or wife, in my absence.” Even Jesus, near death on the cross, couldn’t stop thinking about his mother and asked John to treat her as his mother. For the rest of Mary’s life, she was in John’s household.

With Sarah gone, Abraham knew he was at the end of his life. He believed God for the promise of future generations to the point of great sacrifice. As long as he was alive, he could stay in charge and inspire fidelity and obedience. With himself out of the picture however, the line and promises of God were vulnerable. Isaac was near the Canaanites and the chance of marrying one of their women was high. How many families have taken a bad spiritual detour because of a bad marriage!

There was one nearby to whom Abraham could entrust his heart and his passion. Eleazar, the long time steward of his household, had traveled with Abraham and Sarah through most of their journey. What a comfort for this old father to know that Eleazar would accept the challenge and responsibility for Isaac’s future.

Some have large families and know the benefits of having many blood relatives who will nurture the spiritual life of their children. Others have little family and, as God intended, nurture the relationships of spiritual family. With a chosen few, they enjoy a bond like that of Abraham and Eleazar. How many mentors have raised others children and kept them true to the future God had for them. The promise Eleazar made would mean a long faith journey to find Isaac’s wife. Love for God and love for Abraham fueled his journey.

Help me nurture right relationships beyond my own life. Amen

Journal Question: Ask God if there is someone’s child you can affect this year for the kingdom. Right now, a parent might be despairing for their son or daughter’s future and you are the answer to their prayer.

For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org