When I became a pharmacist, I was struck by the realization that I held other people’s lives in my hands. If I enter the prescription into the computer for the wrong patient, select the wrong medication or strength from the shelf, fail to recognize a drug interaction, calculate the wrong dose, or commit any number of possible errors, the patient can be harmed. Whoa. I treat my work in pharmacy as a solemn responsibility requiring wisdom. When Abraham told his chief servant, most likely Eliezer of Damascus, to find a wife for his son Isaac, Eliezer must have felt that same sense of responsibility. Isaac was Abraham’s beloved son, the child of the covenant, through whom God had promised to bless all nations. Not just any wife would do. The woman would be the mother of nations. She had to be pleasing to Abraham, to Isaac, and most importantly, to the Lord. Eliezer had to get it right.
So Eliezer prayed for wisdom. Only the Lord knew the right woman, and Eliezer prayed for God to reveal her to him. God did so. Eliezer was thrilled. Abraham was thrilled. And Isaac fell in love.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” This is one prayer the Lord never refuses. Whatever solemn responsibility lies before you, know God will give you the wisdom to handle it. All you have to do is ask.
Labels: Eliezer, Isaac, pharmacy, wisdom
