Genesis 46:3-4, “Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”
In November 1991, we moved from a town of about 20,000 people in Minnesota, to Santa Clarita, California. Many changes were utterly new, which we had never experienced, which was somewhat frightening. There was a definite culture difference. Loneliness would set in when we thought of our old friends and family, who now lived so far away. I can understand how Jacob, who was 130 years of age, must have felt to move from a rural setting, because he and his children were Bedouins – simple folk who were shepherds, which caused him anxiety. They had lived in tents. However, Egypt was a land of culture and sophistication where shepherds were considered an abomination. Jacob feared his sons would be influenced or tainted with the idolatry of Egypt and forget the God of their fathers. This was an understandably frightening new situation for them.
God spoke to Jacob in a vision. God speaks words of comfort and meets him in his weakness. God told him not to be afraid that God himself would be with him in this move and confirmed that his descendants would return as a nation. Acknowledging God’s presence should always dispel our fears because of the promise in Isaiah 41:10, which declares, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Fear is normal. But God’s presence gives us the benefit of His power, grace, mercy, compassion, and love for us. So, remember these facts:
- God knows your name. Isaiah 43:1
- God promises to be with you and go with you wherever you go. Deuteronomy 31:8
- You can face life with confidence. Hebrews 10:35-36
- God will work out His perfect plan in your life regardless of your age. Romans 8:28
Yes, new and unfamiliar situations in your life can be frightening but remember who God is. Then, remember who you are. Be in prayer, for prayer taps you into heavenly places. Prayer activates your spiritual armor. God knows your weaknesses, yet He still loves you.
Write down the most pressing problem, the most challenging person, or the most overwhelming circumstances you are facing right now. Then do what 1 Peter 5:7 states, “Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” Amplified Bible. Then leave it there. Do not be fearful any longer because you and God are in this together – the great I AM. Just as God was with Jacob, He is with you right now in this new or difficult and challenging situation which may be causing you to feel pressured, yet God is enough. Remember who God is and who you are. Jehovah Immeka – God is with you. Cast it all on Him and feel His peace fill your heart.
Listen to Place In This World (2024) – for King & Country featuring Michael W. Smith.