Last week we learned that we
shouldn't put off what we can do today. We should act whenever we
know that there is something that we should do. Whether it is
forgiving someone, or reuniting with someone, or giving someone
something, or doing something for the Lord. Whatever it is, we need
to do it for the Lord and we shouldn't stagnate. If we stagnate we
are not only hurting ourselves, but withholding someone from a
blessing. It truly is not worth it. We need to act whenever we feel
the leading from God.
Jacob could have been reunited with
Joseph so much earlier, but he stagnated and didn't want his sons
to take Benjamin to Egypt. But finally their food ran out and he
didn't have any other choice. He had to send Benjamin with
them:
"If it must be so, then do
this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and
carry down a present for the man - a little balm and a little
honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double
money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was
returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight.
Take your brother also and arise, go back to the man. And may God
Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your
other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!"
Genesis 43:11-14
Jacob was a good man and sent of
their dire food supplies with them, as well as double the money, to
compensate and to hopefully ensure the safe travels of his sons.
But truly the only One Who could bring his sons back safely was
God. And he acknowledged that by asking that God give them mercy
before Joseph. Only God can help him and only God can help us.
Sometimes we are inclined to do so
much from our side to ensure that we are successful in what lies
ahead. We plan things to the core, we ensure that things go our
way; we buy things to make sure that we have a safe journey ahead
etc. We want to take matters into our own hands and make sure that
things work out the way we want them to work out. But the truth is
only God can help us and only He can make things work out for our
good. We cannot foresee the future and we cannot plan for every
event. We need to stand back and trust in God, His foresight and
His goodness.
Jacob could never in his wildest
dreams have foreseen that the 'harsh Egyptian' was in actual fact
his son, Joseph. No amount of presents that he sent along or money
could have brought back his son. Only God ordained it all to work
out for good. Nothing he could have done from his side could have
ensured the safety of all his sons, Joseph included.
We also need to let go. We need to
do what we can, but then we need to let go and trust in God.
Especially when it comes to our children. We cannot pave a perfect
road for them. We cannot ensure that everything will be smooth
sailing. We cannot. We can only raise them to the best of our
ability and teach them about God but then we need to let them go
into this harsh world trusting that God's protection is over them.
He knows what will be best for them. We do not. Letting go is not
easy, but seeing them fly with God's grace over them is definitely
a reward to look forward to.
Father thank you that You are
always there, always looking out for us. We trust You that You know
best. We give all our troubles and cares over to You. Carry us
through it all, we love and honor You. Amen