We entered the fourth week of God’s Prevailing Purpose with reading Genesis 42:1-13. Here we find the band of brothers coming to Egypt to see if they can buy some grains so they can all survive the famine.
In that split second when they bow before Joseph, Joseph remembers his dream. Deja vu. Interesting. Did he not think about it in all the years which had passed?
It’s funny how a simple action, a smell, or a meal can spark a memory even in our own lives.
The study asks this question:
“How do you respond when faced with unexpected circumstances? Do you become anxious or trust that God has a plan for you regardless?”
This is a good question to ponder as life throws unexpected situations at us. As we think about it, perhaps we will become less anxious and more trusting in the days ahead.
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11, NIV)
~*~*~
In Genesis 42:27-34, we find the brothers stopping for the night as they travel back to their father. Interesting to me is where their thoughts turn when they discover the money in their sacks.
“Then their hearts sank. Trembling they said to each other, “What has God done to us?” (verse 28, NLT)
They knew they had done wrong to their brother, expect that God is punishing them but … they blame God.
Upon arriving home to their father, they tell him all that had transpired, particularly focusing on the fact that they were accused of being spies. They explained how they have to take Benjamin back to Egypt to prove their innocence.
But they omit one important overarching truth – their own realization that everything happening to them could be God’s punishment for what they had done to Joseph years before. They do not confess their wrongdoing to their father.
I’m grateful we have the full counsel of God’s Word and the benefit of knowing:
“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:8-9, NLT)
Yes, we have stories to tell. Some parts of our stories may not be pretty but they may still need to be told as there are some who will need to hear.
~*~*~
We closed the week with Genesis 43:1-10. The famine continued on in Canaan and the grain was almost gone. Jacob, realizing this, wants to send his son back to Egypt for more supplies.
Judah reminds his father of the stipulations which had been put upon them – they needed to return with Benjamin.
Judah logically presents to his father the only plan which makes sense for all of them. He suggests letting them return with Benjamin. He takes responsibility for the outcome knowing it is the most logical plan in order for them all to survive.
When we face decisions, may we remember:
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6, NLT)
~*~*~
The week of study brought three timely reminders:
- When we face uncertain circumstances, we must remember the Lord’s plans always prevail.
- May we always confess our wrongdoing quickly.
- As we make decisions, God will give us wisdom as we humbly ask Him.
Photo 1: by Romain MATHON on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Iulia Circei on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
What a beautiful post for these uncertain days!
While the days ahead are uncertain, we can be certain that God’s plans will prevail no matter what. Thanks for the reminder.
So many hearts are really hurting,
and have lost their guiding star;
the days ahead are so uncertain
but then, they always are.
The only thing you ever have
is the minute that you’re living,
and the only moral salve
is to forgive, and keep forgiving
all those who have wronged you,
for this might be your only chance
to see the Lord’s real work through,
and when you take that backward glance
from the steps to Heaven’s Gate,
you can be glad it was not done too late.
Beautiful post, Joanne. I love the verse from 1 John, reminding us to take responsibility for our sins and confess them to God. I think this is one of the hardest things for kids to learn as they are growing up. Many children (and some of the teens I taught) could never admit to any wrongdoing.
Joanne, this is a beautiful post. There’s something about Joseph’s story I just love . . . and how God worked in so many ways in his family’s life.
What you said here really resonated with me: “Yes, we have stories to tell. Some parts of our stories may not be pretty but they may still need to be told as there are some who will need to hear.”
When we share the less-than-stellar parts of our stories with others, we have the opportunity to encourage them and even give them hope.
Joanne, these are two very important questions I need to be asking myself this week ””> “How do I respond when faced with unexpected circumstances? Do I become anxious or do I trust that God has a plan for me and my life regardless?” TRUST! Thank you for these reminders! Needed this!!!
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Isn’t it wonderful when the studies we are already deep into become so fresh and appropriate for the exact thing we are going through!! Perfect take-aways for the days we are facing.
I love how God’s perfect timing found its way into the message of this post. We are in uncertain times but we are guided by a most certain God.