Origins: The Promise (Genesis 12–25)Sample

By Danny Saavedra

“Laban and Bethuel answered, ‘This is from the Lord; we have no choice in the matter.’” Genesis 24:50 (BSB)

Have you ever experienced a moment that was supernaturally orchestrated to accomplish something amazing? On my first mission trip to Hungary, I found myself in such a moment. For some odd reason, instead of bringing one of my scholarly Bibles, I felt compelled to bring the one I’ve had for 20 years. It’s full of notes, highlights, thoughts, and prayers, but I don’t often use it. 

Fast forward to the last day of the trip. My group and I met a young man from Costa Rica who was on vacation. We ended up spending eight full hours with him, basically hanging out and getting to know him. As he told us his story, I soon realized we had much in common. Like him, at some point in my life, I, too, felt like an outsider. I shared this with him and about the time when God changed all of that for me, letting me find acceptance in belonging through His family and community at Calvary.

We invited him to come to church with us, and he agreed! And that’s when I felt the Lord tell me, “This is not your Bible, it never was. It was always meant for this moment and this young man. You’ve just been preparing it for him.” 

And so, in that moment, I gave this new friend a precious Bible I’ve had for 20 years. I knew this moment was pre-ordained by the Lord, so as I sat there, the words of Laban ran through my mind; “This is from the Lord; we have no choice in the matter.” 

The young man was touched when I gave him my Bible, and I’m excited to hear how the Lord will work and move in my new friend’s life. From this experience, I learned that when the Lord orchestrates, when He moves, and when we feel the Spirit directing us, we should press into it! Like Laban, we should recognize that if something is from the Lord, there is nothing left for us to say, think, or do. I love how Matthew Poole put it in his commentary of Genesis 24:50, “We cannot without opposing God speak or act anything which may hinder thy design, or thwart thy desire.”

In Him, we find our place. So, I pray that we would be a people that intentionally press into the leading of the Spirit and embrace the will of God. That we actively seek to walk in His will and are willing to be used by Him to accomplish all that He has for us. 

DIG: How can we embrace Laban’s words and walk in them daily?

DISCOVER: Have you ever experienced a divine appointment? How did the Lord use you; or how did He use someone else to minister to you? What did you do in the situation? What was the end result?

DO: This week, pray this simple prayer each morning: “Spirit, use me. Bring opportunities into my life today to share the gospel and shine the light of Jesus.”