Welcome to my new home here at JeanneDoyon.com
Thanks for your grace as I move in and get settled. You can still access my Stream’s Edge Archives over at Blogger. Hope to have everything moved over soon but in the meantime you can find over five years of blog posts there.
Are you facing a big task and wonder what in the world you’ve gotten yourself into?
I have felt like that many times. Most recently it’s been while creating a new website. My Blogger site is still active. I am still moving in to my new home here at Word Press. I can tell you over that last several months I have been mumbling, ‘what have I got myself into?’
As I read this week about Rebekah in Genesis chapter 24, I could relate to her story. She was minding her own business, intent on her daily task of going to the well to draw water. She finds herself offering a stranger a sip and then gets pulled right in to drawing water for his ten camels.
Before we skip right over that little detail, let me tell you what I discovered about camels.
According to National Geographic, camels can drink about 30-40 gallons of water in about thirteen minutes. Multiply that times the servant’s ten camels…that is a huge undertaking.
I wonder if Rebekah’s thoughts went to ‘what am I thinking?’ as she hefted her water pot back and forth from the well. She definitely was facing a big task.
She hauled water until the camels’ thirst was quenched.
And the servant had his answer—this was the woman for Isaac.
What spoke to me in this story was the way the servant watched in silence “to know whether the LORD made his journey successful or not.” (Genesis 24:10, 18-21)
How many times do I see a glimpse of something I asked God about, and run with His permission? The servant in the story could have cut short the drama and proclaimed Rebekah the one. But, instead he watched in silence to see what God said.
When we face a big task –
It may not be drawing water for ten camels but will require just as much energy and commitment.
This divine appointment for Rebecca began as a normal day with a trip to the well. How often we read about God showing up in the middle of our every day tasks [Click to Tweet]
—like Mary, Saul, Zacharias, Moses…
God appoints and calls us to do something bigger than ourselves while using the simple things we have at our disposal, like a water jar.
I realize how much I depend on my own energy to accomplish things when I am facing a big task. I get a peek at an answer to prayer and think I know the whole story. I set off to accomplish what I think God wants, rather than waiting in silence to see how He leads.
I want to be a willing vessel (I know you do too)
To be filled—to be used—to be poured out for Jesus.
Yet, I know I need to be patient enough to wait on Him until He speaks clearly. There is a thirsty world out there and I need to be sure the well I draw from has plenty to quench their thirst.
What have you gotten yourself into today? Are you facing a big task? [Tweet This]
Trust in His leading. Listen for His direction. Be a vessel for His Living Water.
Jeanne
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Hi Jeanne!
I love how a little research can put a whole new light on something. What a momentous task to water all those camels when we know how much they really drink. The drama of the moment takes on a fresh imagery worthy of meditation on the call to servant hood and what makes a character worthy. Chewing on this morsel today, my friend.
Joy!
Kathy
Thanks for your comment, kathy. I love taking the morsels of scripture–the bread of life–and savoring its message. This one hit me afresh too. And, how it applies to our big tasks!! I appreciate your insights.
Congratulations on your new website — looks great!
Thank you, Cindy!! It’s been a learning curve for sure. And I have had lots of help 🙂
Really great and encouraging post – well done for your new site – it’s something that’s on my mind but the task seems to big – feel encouraged by your post 🙂
Tania,
The worthwhile God-sized tasks always seem too big!! Glad you are encouraged. You can do it. I can’t wait to see what God has in store
I grew up in the military and my Dad was stationed in Morocco for 3 years. Lots of camels back in those days. They are nasty beasts – loud and ill-humored. They spit a lot. Rebecca had to put up with 10 cantankerous, tired, thirsty camels. I’m not sure I’d have agreed to that task and I would have missed a great blessing.
I love that you have personal experiences with camels, Sherry! Thanks for sharing that. There are so many things we could put in the “camel category”. And, I think you’re right–blessings come through the difficult things many times.
I was immediately drawn in as you talked about the camels. I actually rode a camel in Israel. They put scarves on us like those worn there and my husband and I got to experience what it felt like. They are really interesting animals.
As far as the question you posed, I have often asked myself “what have I gotten myself into?” Probably related to writing projects. But since I firmly believe it’s what I’m supposed to do, I just keep reminding myself and keep going.
Wow, Anne. Both you and Sherry have camel experience. Who would have thought?? I agree we need to keep going even when we don’t understand or feel equipped for what we face. God is faithful and meets us there 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts.