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Considering a future husband is hard work. Some women want the security and warmth of marriage so much that they overlook flaws that make security and warmth impossible. Other women are so satisfied with independence that they overlook a man who could bring new levels of joy. And some just "fall in love" and hope to solve any problems that emerge later. But marriage is so important that you must take a careful look at a potential partner.

Abraham's servant gives some ideas about the process. First, he prayed often. He was also straight forward about faith. He said, "I … blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham" (24:48), and he received a response showing common faith. "The thing comes from the LORD" (24:50). The servant also observed character qualities. As he watched Rebekah, he could tell she was confident, kind, energetic, strong, generous, hospitable, willing to work beyond what was asked, and adventurous. These were qualities of a woman who might travel by camel more than five hundred miles and create a marriage with a nomad she had never met. She could and did—though the next two chapters show their marriage wasn't always easy.

In looking for a husband, you can follow some of this servant's pattern. Pray. Look in places likely to contain a godly man. Be honest about your potential spouse's faith—or lack of faith. Look for character qualities you could live with for a lifetime. (See also Song of Solomon 1; 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5:21-33.)

Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Genesis 24:67

As you await "Mr. or Mrs. Right," why not follow the servant's pattern?

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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