Sometimes God’s plans for us can seem confusing. They are not what we expect. We can question whether they are right. They can seem frightening. We can have a variety of reactions to what God wants or is telling us to do.
As we’re following Jacob’s journey, we learn that God’s plan for him also raised some questions. But, we also discover from Jacob how to respond when God’s plans make us fearful, unsure, or puzzled.
A number of years have passed. Jacob believed his beloved son, Joseph, to be dead. Famine was also widespread. Egypt had food whereas no one else did.
And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere (Genesis 41:57).
When Jacob learned this, although at this point he did not know Joseph was alive and in charge of the grain supply, he said to his sons:
“Why do you just keep looking at each other?” He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”(Genesis 42:1-2).
When Jacob’s sons eventually returned with grain and news that Joseph was not only alive but ruling Egypt, Jacob desperately wants to see Joseph. We see the tender love of a father and the beginning of healing for his broken heart in the following words:
They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die” (Genesis 45:26-28).
Then God spoke to Jacob. God’s reassurance seems to be because of uncertainty on Jacob’s part to go Egypt.
“I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” Genesis 46:3
Jacob had good reason to be fearful. Traveling to Egypt to find an abundant source of food because of a scarcity of food did not go well together. Abraham had gone to Egypt during a famine and had been banned from the country by Pharaoh. You can read about it in Genesis 12:10-20. Jacob’s own father, Isaac, had been warned by God not to go to Egypt during the famine he experienced. (Genesis 26:1-2.)
God not only told Jacob not to be afraid, but God assured Jacob that he would be with him. God had a plan—a good plan to build a nation and his people. God would never go back on what he had told Jacob.
But, maybe Jacob found God’s plan confusing. God would make him into a great nation in Egypt? Jacob believed his future was in Canaan. After all, God had told him to return to Canaan.
“”I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land’” (Genesis 31:13).
Jacob no doubt believed that Cannan was where God would make him a great nation as promised to Abraham and passed on to him through his father Isaac.
We shouldn’t miss that God also had a tender plan to heal Jacob’s broken heart—Joseph would be with Jacob at the very end of his life.
God’s words to Jacob are enough for Jacob to follow through, and go to Egypt.
This part of Jacob’s story, and God’s words to Jacob, give deep assurance for you and me.
As a child of God, God has a good plan for you—to protect you and give you a future. You do not need to be afraid.
Nor should we underestimate that God is powerfully at work in some of our most frightening and difficult circumstances. This is a good reminder when we are overcome with fear of what we face.
We should also remember that God knows our heart-felt desires—for the people we love, for the places that are near and dear to us.
But, there’s one other thing we can learn in these assurances.
Jacob had stopped in Beersheba, a place on the trade-route to Egypt, and he had worshipped God.
So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac (Genesis 46:1).
Jacob had worshipped God even when he was afraid and unsure how to move forward. And God had spoken to him and given him reassurances as he worshipped.
This is a beautiful reminder to us that in the middle of our fears, difficulties, and heartache, when we worship God, he can give us the reassurance that we need to move forward.
Paul, in the letter to the Philippians, says the same thing in a way that is probably familiar to you:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!…Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4, 6-7).
Whatever you are facing right now, this is a reminder to keep worshipping and trusting God. He is with you. He will never leave you. God is working out his good purposes even in the middle of circumstances that scare you.
Pray
Amen!!! We look at the world and events…it is all coming true as prophesied in Matt 24 and Mark `13. Praying constantly now.
Amen. Thank you
You are very welcome.