Then Rebekah and her maids arose, and they rode on the camels and followed the man.
— Genesis 24:61
REBEKAH MADE A COMMITMENT of faith when she got on that camel and agreed to a 400 mile journey. She had to depend completely upon Isaac’s servant, and take his word for the wealth and glory of the kingdom awaiting her.
Riding a camel is a real experience. The camel does not move smoothly. If you don’t relax and move with him, he will bump you to death.
The Christian life isn’t easy either. “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12). As you ride that awkward beast, you’ll be tested, jostled, and placed in uncomfortable positions. Along the desert ride, you may even get discouraged.
After Rebekah reached her destination, do you suppose she yelled “You rotten beast!” and kicked the camel? I don’t think so. She probably patted him and said: “It was miserable trying to ride you, but you have done your job. You’ve brought me to my master and my lord.”
LIFE’S TRIALS ARE GOD’S INSTRUMENTS TO BRING US TO HIM.
One day the journey will be over. The camels are there to bring us into a full reliance on Jesus. Very soon we’re going to look up and see our Lord coming. And when I jump off my camel, I’m not going to kick it. It has brought me along to my Lord, and I will thank God that I have arrived.
Father, thank You for the difficulties that draw us to You. Help us to look upon our trials as Your instruments. And may we not become weary of the journey.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.