God Answers Prayer

I wanted to look briefly at a passage in Genesis 24.  In this chapter, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son, Isaac.  

I want us to think about this question: how long does it take God to answer a prayer?

Genesis 24:1-10 tells us specifically what Abraham told his servant to do.  He was to go to Abraham's home country and find a wife for Isaac.  Verses 10 and 11 tell us that Abraham's servant arrived in Mesopotamia - he had reached his destination!  Then in verses 12 through 14 we have the servant's prayer to God, asking His help, guidance and direction in this task.  Abraham's servant knew he couldn't handle this mission on his own and in his own wisdom and strength.  So before he even begins looking for a wife for Isaac, he prays.

Verse 15 gives us the answer to our question about how long it takes God to answer prayer.  Here's what the verse says, "And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder."  Verse 15 (and verse 45) shows that before Abraham's servant had finished praying, God answered his prayer!  God can answer prayer even before we've finished praying it!  How awesome is that!

I hope that's a blessing and encouragement to you this week.  God hears our prayers, and He can answer them even before we've finished praying them