Weekly Encouragement

“Adonai, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and from the land of my birth, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you.” — Genesis 24:7


There are times in our lives when we cannot see how God's promises will be fulfilled. Circumstances change, loved ones depart, and the future may seem uncertain. Yet this week's Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, reminds us of a wonderful truth: God's faithfulness does not end when one chapter of our lives closes.

Our portion begins with the death of Sarah and Abraham's mourning for his beloved wife. Yet even in grief, Abraham continues to act upon the promises Adonai has made. He purchases a burial place in the very land God promised to his descendants, demonstrating his confidence in a future he will not live to see fully realized.

Later, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. The servant prays for guidance, and through the remarkable encounter with Rebekah, we see God's providence at work. What might have appeared to be an ordinary meeting at a well becomes an important moment in the unfolding of God's covenant purposes.

Notice that Rebekah's character is revealed through her actions. She offers water not only to a stranger but also to his camels. Her kindness, generosity, and willingness to serve become part of a story far greater than she could have imagined.

There is a lesson here for each of us.

We may not always recognize the importance of our daily acts of faithfulness. A word of encouragement, an act of hospitality, a prayer offered for someone in need, or a decision to do what is right may seem insignificant. Yet God works through ordinary people who are willing to walk in His ways.

As Messianic believers, we recognize that the covenant promises given to Abraham ultimately lead us to Yeshua HaMashiach. Through Him, the blessing promised to the nations is made known, and our hope extends beyond the circumstances of this present life.

The same God who guided Abraham's servant, preserved His covenant through Isaac, and remained faithful across generations is still at work among His people today.

Perhaps you are facing uncertainty. Perhaps you are waiting for an answer to prayer, grieving a loss, or wondering what the next chapter of your life will bring.

Take encouragement from Abraham's example. He did not possess every answer, but he knew the One who had made the promise.

Our responsibility is not to control the future, but to walk faithfully with the God who holds it.

This week, let us seek wisdom in our decisions, demonstrate kindness in our relationships, and encourage one another as members of our congregational family. Let us remember that our faithfulness today may become a blessing to generations we will never meet.

And as we await the return of Yeshua our Messiah, may we remain steadfast in the assurance that Adonai will complete what He has promised.


May the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob strengthen our faith, guide our steps, and fill our homes and congregation with His shalom.

Torah & Times

Weekly Readings: 

Torah: Parashat Chayei Sarah ("the life of Sarah") Gen. 23:1-25:18

Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31

Apostolic Scriptures: Matt. 1:1-17; 1 Cor. 15:50-57

Shabbat Times:

Shemini Atzeret: Friday, November 6, 2026 - Light candles at 4:36 p.m.

Sunday, November 7, 2026 - Holiday ends at 5:54 p.m.


According to custom, Shabbat begins 18 minutes before sunset and is observed as a 25-hour holiday.

Contact Info

Mail

Beit Tefilah Messianic Congregation

P.O. Box 410076

St. Louis, MO 63141

E-mail

beit.tefilah.stl@gmail.com

beittefilah@juno.com

Phone

(314) 994-9884

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