Change is often fearful and messy, but can be the time of your greatest blessings. Getting depledged from a fraternity in college allowed me to discover Jesus Christ personally after meeting a new friend in a dorm. Taking a journalism class 16 years after I graduated from college was the first step in writing a Christian growth curriculum and even this blog. When Jacob left the familiarity of Canaan and faced a new life in Egypt, he was fearful. However, God opened an unexpected door of blessing for Jacob by reuniting with his son, Joseph, whom he thought was dead.
The Lord appeared to Israel in a vision after offering sacrifices to God in Beersheba. He was told to not fear but enter Egypt where God would make a great nation and accompany Jacob his whole life. The sons of Israel carried him, his children and wives in wagons Pharaoh provided. They took their livestock and property acquired in Canaan and came to Egypt (Gen. 46:1-7). Change provides unexpected doors of opportunity for God’s provision and leadership into new pathways.
Scripture lists all 66 of Jacob’s descendants who came to Egypt, not including the wives of his sons. In addition, Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph and Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Gen. 46:8-27). God cares for your family in times of transition.
Joseph and Israel (Jacob) were overcome with joy after meeting each other. Joseph instructed his brothers to answer that they were keepers of livestock and not shepherds when Pharaoh asked about their occupation. Shepherds were an abomination to Egyptians (Gen. 46:28-34). Wisdom in dealing with the world secures favor, relationships and blessings.
Just like Joseph, Christians in positions of authority can open doors of blessings. These extend to service opportunities as you will see in the next chapter.
Consider the following four questions:
1. Describe how God used times of change and transition in your life?
2. Describe the blessings that you and your family received?
3. How did God care for you and your family?
4. What wisdom did God impart to you to secure favor, relationships and blessings?
