16/11/2021 - THE PREPARATION OF THE HEART

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So he said to them, “Is he well?” And they said, “He is well. And look, his daughter Rachel is coming with the sheep.”  Genesis 29.6

Jacob showed wisdom when he approached the shepherds standing by the well near Haran. He greeted them, called them brothers, and asked where they were from. After the answer, he asked about Laban, son of Nahor, and heard that he was doing well. This is how God’s servants must behave. Even in front of simple people, they need to go slowly and probe how they are. Certainly, Jacob had more questions to ask.

His heart must have rejoiced, feeling as if he were home. However, he did not know what God had prepared for him: he would meet Rachel, Laban’s daughter, set apart by the Lord to be his wife and the mother of his children. When we are well with the Father, He takes care of our enemies: When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16.7). With the Most High, there are no barriers!

The Bible says that our garments should be white at all times (Ecclesiastes 9.8). Thus, we will never lose the presence of the One who promised to go with us. Until then, everything Jacob had heard from God was happening in full. Despite the great distance he had to walk and not knowing the land, he let himself be led by the Spirit and found his destination. The divine presence will also lead those who, today, entrust their lives and faith to the Lord.

When we despise a person who in our eyes does not look good, we have done wrong. The Scriptures declare: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels (Hebrews 13.2). Nowadays, it is risky to shelter someone at home, and in those days, it could be too. But don’t deny giving room in your heart, for that is also worth a lot, before the Most High.

Upon hearing that Rachel was approaching, Jacob’s heart must have felt something special at that moment; he then remained in a spirit of prayer. After seeing her beauty (Genesis 29.17) and her good manner, he soon felt that God was marking his steps on the eternal clock. When the young woman arrived with her flock to water the sheep, Jacob hurried to remove the heavy stone that covered the well. He acted!

It´s not good to waste time when the Lord puts someone ahead of us. God never makes mistakes, but does things as He pleases, so that they become the best things in our lives. Jacob asked about his uncle, but the young men soon told him about Rachel, the shepherdess. His heart rejoiced to see her, and he quickly took the lid off the well and gave water to the animals. In doing so, Jacob impressed her with his skill and his love.

Walk in sincerity and in God’s presence. This way, you will not miss what He has prepared for your fulfillment. Many have pride in their hearts, so they miss out on good things. Now, life is the same everywhere, even for those who are wise in faith. Make a covenant with God and He will guide your steps, for He is a good Father!    

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares