WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above’ (James 1:17). Praise God for all the blessings that he’s given you. Name as many as you can!

Reassurance needed
Throughout his life, Jacob lived in faith for the fulfilment of promises from God. So for him this is a momentous journey. Not only is he on his way to see the son he thought has been dead for 20 years, but he is also leaving Canaan, the land of promise.

This must have seemed a bit of a paradox, that God was saving the family from starvation by leading them away from the land they had been given. So Jacob stops to offer sacrifices to God (v 1). God reassures him that although he is now being called away from the Promised Land, one day his descendants will return.

Taking detours
For now the blessing of God is to be found in Egypt, in an area of land (Goshen) that is very fertile and where the Egyptians will pretty much leave them alone (due to their cultural custom not to associate with shepherds; v 34). Here they can continue to live as a family and prosper.

Sometimes our paths seem to take detours from where we think God has called us, or where we think his blessing is to be found. But in those times trusting that God knows what he’s doing is what a life of faith is all about.

Respond: ‘Lord, I know that you are good and long to bless me. Pour out your blessing on the paths where you are leading me – and make me a blessing to others.’

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-10-20