“She quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels.”
– Genesis 24:20
Rebekah didn’t wake up that day expecting anything extraordinary. She was simply doing what she had likely done countless times before—carrying water from the well. But what she didn’t know was that her ordinary routine was about to intersect with God’s extraordinary plan.
That’s how God often works. He takes our seemingly insignificant moments and uses them for His divine purpose.
Abraham had sent his most trusted servant on a crucial mission: to find a wife for his son Isaac. The stakes were high. This wasn’t just about marriage—it was about continuing the covenant God had made with Abraham. Isaac’s wife would be part of that promise.
As the servant reached Nahor, he paused to pray. Instead of rushing to complete his task, he asked God for confirmation in a very specific way. He prayed that the right woman would not only offer him water but would also go the extra mile and water his camels too. This wasn’t a small task—camels are thirsty animals. One camel can drink up to 25 gallons, and the servant had 10 with him. That’s 250 gallons of water, drawn one jar at a time.
And then Rebekah shows up.
She wasn’t performing. She wasn’t looking for recognition. She was simply kind. Willing. Ready to serve.
In a culture where hospitality was more than just a nicety—it was a sacred duty—Rebekah’s actions spoke volumes. The Hebrew word chesed, often used to describe this kind of hospitality, means more than kindness. It points to covenant loyalty, steadfast love, and going above and beyond. Rebekah didn’t just do the minimum. She showed extravagant generosity, even though it likely left her physically exhausted.
Her act of service became the very sign the servant had prayed for. It was the confirmation he needed. And it was the moment God used to position Rebekah for a much greater purpose.
I think a lot of us wrestle with feeling unseen in the little things we do. Whether it’s wiping counters, answering emails, or quietly helping someone in need, it can feel like nobody notices. But God does. He sees every act of service, especially the ones done without fanfare. And sometimes, those are the very things He uses to change the direction of a life—maybe even our own.
Rebekah’s story also reminds us that when God opens a door, it usually begins with a willing heart. She didn’t have the full picture. She had no idea what was unfolding. But she responded in faith and generosity. She served without knowing that she was stepping into a divine assignment.
The beauty is that she didn’t need to have all the details. She just had to trust the One who did.
And maybe that’s the lesson for us too.
We don’t need to see the whole plan. We don’t need to be in control of how every step will play out. We just need to be faithful with what’s in front of us. Because obedience in the small things is often what prepares us for the bigger things God has planned.
So, what does that look like in your life today?
Maybe it’s doing something that feels repetitive or tiring—changing diapers, showing up for work, taking care of aging parents, helping a neighbor. Maybe it’s praying for someone who doesn’t even know you’re praying. Or encouraging someone when you yourself feel discouraged.
Whatever it is, don’t underestimate what God can do with a heart that’s fully available to Him.
God is still writing stories like Rebekah’s. And He still honors those who show up, serve well, and say yes—even when they don’t know what’s next.
Father, thank You for seeing every act of service, no matter how small. Help us to live with a heart like Rebekah’s—willing, generous, and quick to serve. Teach us to trust You with the big picture, even when we only see a small piece. Use our everyday obedience for Your extraordinary purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ready to hear more? Listen to the full episode for a deeper look at how God works through our willingness to serve—even in the smallest acts. Faithful in the Small Things
