Trusting God When He Leads You "Away" from the Plan-Genesis 46-47; Psalm 19; Proverbs 4:14-19

Ø      "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 46:3-4

Ø      When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, "If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried."

      "I will do as you say," he said.

"Swear to me," he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. – Genesis 47:29-31

 

God had told Abraham that his descendants would go down to Egypt and be mistreated there. But Jacob was the one who had to actually go.

 

It seemed like such a different picture from what God’s ultimate promises included. Jacob didn’t own all of Canaan yet, but at least he was living there. And now God was calling him away from the Promised Land.

 

But Jacob knew it was God calling him.

 

And God promised to bring Jacob back after reuniting him with Joseph. The promise was not over; it was not dead.

 

So Jacob went.

 

And at the end of his life, knowing the promises of God, Jacob approached his son Joseph. Joseph promised to bury him in Canaan. And Jacob worshiped God—the God who keeps His promises, even when He seems to be leading us in the wrong direction.

 

Father, I may know the final destination (since You have told me), but only You know the path. May I remember that what counts is walking faithfully with You. So long as I am with You—no matter how far out of the Way you seem to be taking me—I can rest secure. I can know that I will arrive safely home with You. Thank You for Your faithfulness!