Genesis 46-47 | The Reassurance of God

So Israel set out with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again, and Joseph will close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:1-4)

God meets us where we are. He has kingdom purposes designed for us to walk in if we will cooperate with Him. And, He is glad to tell us about it. He knows that we can only have faith when we hear from Him.

ABRAHAM’S FAITH

This was true of Abraham. God had made promises to this father of our faith. Now, through his grandson, Jacob/Israel, he is fulfilling them continually. Israel had set out to for Egypt but he stops to make one last sacrifice to his God in the land where God had sent his grandfather, Abraham. And when he does, God comes to him.

The Lord was not obligated to appear to Israel. It was God's initiation that caused Him to, once again, reassure him at this point of change and transition that he should not be afraid. God was going to fulfill His promises.

OUR FAITH

There have been many times in my life where God has spoken and I have trusted, but then something else happened and my faith began to wane. It is not inappropriate for us to ask God for fresh reminders from His word. He is mindful of our frame that we are but dust. And, He meets us graciously where we are.

Father, thank You for speaking to us, giving us all we need to believe You. Forgive us for our unbelief and help us to trust You more. Give us open ears to hear Your Word, and open hearts to receive and believe You when You speak. And when we falter in faith, graciously speak once again to remind us of Your promises! Keep us moving forward in faith.