Finding Wisdom test
Welcome to The Bible Money Journal, a brief for Christian professionals who want to learn more about God’s ways of managing money. In each edition, I share a verse, a story, and a money lesson to help you in your journey.
This brief is a resource for navigating the scriptures through the lens of financial planning and learning how to apply them in your life.
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Genesis 24:3-7
3 Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 4 Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”
5 The servant asked, “But what if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?”
6 “No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there. 7 For the Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants.[a] He will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son.
I believe that God can provide us with guidance and wisdom to make decisions in all aspects of our lives, including financial decisions. One story that speaks to me in this regard is Genesis 24:3-7, which tells the story of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac.
In this story, Abraham instructs his servant to find a wife for Isaac from among his own people rather than among the Canaanites. The servant is worried about this task and asks Abraham what he should do if the woman he finds is not willing to follow him back to Isaac. Abraham responds that God will send His angel ahead of the servant and that the woman who is meant to be Isaac's wife will be found.
From this story, we can draw three key themes:
Divine Providence
Just as Abraham had faith that God would guide his servant in finding the right wife for Isaac, we must cultivate trust and surrender and ask God to lead us in our most important decisions. Choosing a wife for Isaac was critical to both Abram’s legacy and the continuation of God’s promise to his family. We should pray for wisdom and discernment, trusting God to provide the necessary answers.
Patience and Perseverance
Abraham's servant was given a difficult task, requiring patience and perseverance while working with limited information and an uncertain future. The servant followed his master’s instructions and established his own sign before God to discern who would be chosen. He was specific and watchful. Once the sign presented itself, he further investigated the family of the young girl who helped provide water for him and his camels.
Trust the Process
Whether making an investment decision, finding a new job, or taking a step in a new direction, focus on the long-term rather than short-term gains. Ignoring distractions and short-term gratification is essential to solid decision-making. Imagine if Abraham or his servant had chosen the easy way out to “get it over with.” Isaac would have married a Canaanite who might have led his heart away from God’s promise.
Leo Marte is a Christian financial advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Abundant Advisors provides financial advice for Christians with convenient virtual meetings. Let’s talk if you are ready to make the next move.